5 10 155 https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/261/GlenkensGazette115.pdf 0c8745b37d57d4bec55921e0cf9ff786 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 115 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE News from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry December/January 2019-20 ISSUE 115 FREE FIRST BLACKCRAIG WINDFARM AWARDS ANNOUNCED It has been a busy time for all concerned since the Blackcraig Windfarm Community Fund opened for applications in June. First a wide variety of community groups attended outreach sessions held across the area and then put in a huge amount of effort to submit applications. Thirty-nine eligible applications were received representing a range of groups and organisations. These were all assessed in detail by Foundation Scotland who are contracted by Temporis Capital Ltd to administer the fund. The trustees of the Glenkens & District Trust then considered the detailed reports, running to nearly 150 pages, over two meetings in mid-October. Steps to ensure that any potential conflicts of interest were properly addressed were taken before the Children at Dalry school celebrate the success of an application for a climbing structure. SEE CENTRE SPREAD trustees reviewed and discussed every report prepared by Foundation Scotland. There were wide ranging discussions on how the applications met the requirements and criteria of the fund, how they benefited the wider community, how the applicants had demonstrated that the proposal was good value for money and how groups had worked together. The trustees were delighted with the quality of the applications and the thought and preparation that had gone into them and were encouraged and inspired by the efforts made by a huge number of people. A summary of the applications and decisions is available at www.founda tionscotland.org.uk/news/glenkenscommunities-share-wind-farm-cash Continued on p10... Rockfield Community Aquisition Passes Stage One The wild area referred to as Rockfield, in Dalry, has begun the process of becoming community-owned. Featured in the April/May issue of the Gazette, a small piece of unkempt land behind Underhill was open to community purchase. A local group has been formed to take this forward, and the Rockfield Project submitted a successful Stage One proposal to the Council. It is hoped to submit the Stage Two proposal soon, which will need a more detailed plan - if you would like to be more involved please contact Nikki on nichola_ finch@yahoo.co.uk Villagers who were asked would like the area to remain a kind of wild place with native plants/trees, indigenous foraging, paths for walking and a bike track accessible to young people. The Rockfield Project would like to say a big thank you to the Glenkens Community Shop for a grant of £500 towards the costs of a site appraisal and initial works. A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve The plot is pictured above, looking towards Kenbank. www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 COMPARING THE GENERAL ELECTION CANDIDATES When you open a paper or turn on the TV or radio at the moment there are so many issues being debated and with emotions running high it is hard work to figure out the best way forward. It is certainly going to make it difficult when we get to the polling booth on 12 December. Would it be best to vote for the candidate whose party represents your views on Brexit? But do they also represent your views on Scottish independence, or climate change? Who do you feel would best serve Dumfries and Galloway? Do you want change or more of the same? It is quite hard to find a candidate whose views align completely with yours so some sort of compromise may be required. To try and get a clear picture of what the candidates-to-be Dumfries and Galloway’s next MP are offering, we have asked them all four questions on some of the main issues so that you can compare their answers. What do you think are the main issues facing Dumfries and Galloway? Richard Arkless (SNP) and Alister Jack (Scottish Conservative and Unionist) both highlight the need for investment in order to tackle problems with transport infrastructure. They also focus on the NHS with Arkless concerned about the distance some people have to travel for health services, and Jack on the need to fill GP and consultant vacancies in the area. McNabb Laurie (Scottish Liberal Democrat) and Ted Thompson (Labour) felt boosting the local economy and retaining young folk in Dumfries and Galloway was of particular importance, with Thompson wanting to create green high-tech jobs. Laurie is also concerned about Dumfries and Galloway’s lack of visibility and attention on the national stage and would like our MP to be a flagbearer for the region, thus being better able to champion local causes. Negotiating the UK’s departure from the EU has been fraught; what is the best way forward to limit the division Brexit has caused? Ted Thompson (Labour) lays the blame squarely on the Conservatives for having called the EU referendum and then for invoking Article 50 without a plan. His party would renegotiate another deal with the EU, followed by a confirmation vote of that deal versus remaining in the EU. He personally is in favour of remaining. Richard Arkless (SNP) points out that as Dumfries and Galloway voted to remain in the EU referendum, we are now being taken out of the EU against our will. His answer is for Scotland to become an independent EU state by seeking another independence referendum. Alister Jack (Scottish Conservative and Unionist) feels that the deal Prime Minister Boris Johnson has struck with the EU works for Scotland and he therefore wants to implement that deal and end the uncertainty. McNabb Laurie (Scottish Liberal Democrat) feels the EU referendum was flawed with unrealistic promises made. If his party achieved a majority government they would revoke Article 50 and stop Brexit; otherwise they would work with partners to seek a second referendum. Scotland has been part of the UK for over 300 years; what are your views on the union going forward? No surprises that Richard Arkless (SNP) is passionately in favour of Scottish independence, although he points out that he used to think we were “too wee and too poor” to go it alone. However, he now believes that our per capita tax revenues and levels of GDP are good enough for independence and that in the modern world small countries do better. Alister Jack (Scottish Conservative and Unionist), McNabb Laurie (Scottish Liberal Democrat) and Ted Thompson (Labour) are all firmly in favour of Scotland remaining part of the UK and wish to prevent the division and disruption they claim would come from another independence referendum. Laurie also points out that the last three years of Brexit paralysis underlines the immense difficulties we would face if we left the UK and has considerable doubts about the promises of a frictionless border. What is the response of you and your party towards the declaration of a climate emergency? All candidates are in broad agreement on this one. Alister Jack (Scottish Conservative and Unionist) states that his party are committed to protecting the planet for future generations which is why they support net-zero emissions by 2045. Ted Thompson (Labour) believes we do have a climate emergency and that his party’s manifesto and Green Economy pledges address this. McNabb Laurie (Scottish Liberal Democrat) agrees that there is a climate emergency but argues that some of the response needs to come at a local level, as well as through government and international bodies. He stresses the importance of working with partners in the UK and the EU, and that his party recognise that global problems need global solutions. Richard Arkless (SNP) also sees climate change as a real emergency and points out that the Scottish government already has plans such as the Green Deal, Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan, Mission Zero Transport initiative, phasing out of new petrol and diesel cars by 2032, decarbonising railways by 2035 and scheduled flights by 2040. He admits these plans sound ambitious but feels even more must be done and that if he was elected as our MP climate change would be his emergency. We hope this might have helped in your decision on who to vote for. At the end of the day, whatever you do decide, your vote counts so please make sure you remember to vote! Glenkens Gazette page 3 In Memory of Alan Wright: 1932-2019 Alan Wright, who died in October, will be missed by folk in the Glenkens but also by gardeners all over Galloway and beyond. He had an extensive knowledge of plants, flowers and vegetables which he generously shared as well as proffering advice on all things horticultural, from germinating seeds to fixing garden equipment. Alan started off as a chemical engineer but had always had a keen interest in gardening. This led him and his wife Maude, together with their daughters Susan, Judith and Lyndsay, to move to Dalry in 1972, taking over the cattlefeed and ironmongery business and adding a garden centre, which then became Rural Supplies. The family soon became thoroughly involved in village life and Alan, at different times, served on the Community Council and the Town Hall Committee. He was heavily involved in Dalry winning awards in Britain in Bloom contests, as well as the visit of Radio 4’s Gardener’s Question Time. He was also a stalwart of the Glenkens Flower and Vegetable Show, donating the Maude Wright Trophy after his wife died in 2002. At the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, he planted a wonderful flower display in the McNaught fountain, and continued with seasonal flower displays in the village until handing over that baton to Jane Trueman in 2017. Although Alan gradually started to wind down the business when his wife became ill, he was still selling bedding plants and compost five years ago and was always on hand to help, encourage and advise other gardeners. He remained sought after answering questions such as “why haven’t my carrots germinated”, “what’s wrong with this shrub”, “what rose will thrive in this climate”, etc, and last November when asked how to fix a broken greenhouse door, he just mended it himself. One local resident said that when he moved to this area he was determined Alan Wright at the Dalry fountain, next to his beautiful flower display, for the Jubilee celebrations in 2012. Photograph taken by Hilda McAdam. to grow a honeysuckle over an arch in his garden: after three attempts and three dead honeysuckles, he turned to Alan for advice, who suggested a particular variety which, many years later, is still happily romping over the arch. This is just one example of how Alan’s memory will live on. Get On It Transport: Freelance Work Available Having finished our consultations with young people, CatStrand are now ready to launch our ‘Get On It Transport’ pilot, with the aim of helping young people living in rural Stewatry to move around more easily. There are two buses; a Dalry - Kirkcudbright bus (approximately two hours) and a Kirkcudbright local loop bus (approximately one hour), each of which visits a number of pick-up locations on the way. Each bus will run twice on every Sunday throughout the pilot period (from 22 December to 23 February). We’re now looking for a pool of adults to be on board these buses. For every journey, we need one adult on board who can consult young people about the bus service and gather feedback, as well as check registration and be on hand in case of an emergency. For these positions you must: - Have an up-to-date PVG to work with young people - Be able to invoice us for your time (the rate is £10p/h) - Be able to commit to both runs for one or more days (either on the Dalry or Kirkcudbright loop bus). To find out more email katy@catstrand.com On behalf of the Glenkens Community Shop I would like to thank all supporters and volunteers, especially Alison Davies from New Galloway and Blackcraig Wind Farm Community Fund *. We have received a grant from Blackcraig to fund the refurbishment of the shop, which is great news. The shop will close on 14 December with work getting underway in the new year, and we hope to re-open around Easter time. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year, and thank you for all your support. Shirley The next round of Glenkens Community Shop grants will be in July 2020. * with funding from Blackcraig Wind Farm (Scotland) Limited, administered by Foundation Scotland working in partnership with The Glenkens & District Trust. Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk FREE Aluminium patio table - large round glass topped table; slightly bashed, but very useable.Approx 1.2m diameter. No longer needed. Contact: 07787 406 187 Strong plastic 500ml jars with wide neck x 5. Would suit nails and screws, but not food. 90ml plastic measuring scoops x 6. Alchemilla plant (ladies mantle). Might need help to dig them up. Contact: Sue on 07563 718 011 Kodak ink for printers ESP and Hero series. Code 30 & 30cl. 1 sealed colour cartridge and 1 sealed black cartridge plus 2 part used cartridges. Contact: 01644 420 434 or 07974 026 380 WANTED Washing machine. Happy to pay for decent secondhand machine. Contact: Robin on 07952 280 902 Plastic CD case to replace one that broke. Cool bags – can be old and tatty but large enough to store 5 litre lime wash cans over winter. Contact: Sue on 07563 718 011 Used postage stamps from your Christmas cards for horse charity. Drop them in the letterbox at 3 Midtown, Dalry, or phone and I’ll come and collect them. Contact: Sue on 07563 718 011 FOR SALE ION Air LP Bluetooth Turntable. Unwanted gift £45. Contact: 01644 430 373 Nest of 3 mahogany tables, fully restored £25. Contact: John on 01644 430 539 Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Suzanne Dawson from Dalry with a beautiful photograph of Loch Ken in autumn colours. Suzanne wins an evening meal for two up to the value of £30 at the Ken Bridge Hotel. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “We love the vibrant autumnal colours of the tree contrasting with the water, so the Loch Ken photo takes the prize this issue.” How to Enter: any photos taken in the Glenkens can be entered - landscapes, wildlife, portraits, action shots... Email them to glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk If you are a winner the Gazette will send you out a voucher - please call the Ken Bridge to book your meal, and make sure to take your winner’s voucher along with you. Gordon McAdam New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Plumbing & Heating HOUSE REPAIRS JOINERY 22 Kirkland Street St John‛s Town of Dalry Semi-retired Furniture Maker & Builder in GLENKENS AREA 01644 430 393 07834 321 789 Call Pete on 07970 462 088 ...special rates for inclusion of tea, cake and friendly banter... Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY IN GALLOWAY Councillor Dougie Campbell, recently appointed as D&G’s Environment Champion, took the phrase ‘Think Globally, Act Locally’ as his theme when he addressed the first event staged by the Glenkens Climate Group. The phrase, first coined by the radical Scottish thinker and scientist, Patrick Geddes, was particularly appropriate for an event which started with the screening of a film starkly laying out the latest understanding of climate change globally and went on to hear of Dumfries & Galloway’s response. Earlier this year the council declared a climate emergency and appointed Councillor Campbell to his role, a move attracting support across all the political parties and with only one objection. Since then he has drawn up a 12-point action plan which aims to put climate and environmental Councillor Campbell’s talk was followed by a lively question and answer session in the CatStrand. concerns at the heart of all the colleagues, including his fellow council’s policies representatives from Dee & Glenkens, and actions, from transport to and was heartened by the enthusiastic education and from social policy to response of council officers. infrastructure. He outlined plans to The Glenkens Climate Group is part promote local consultation to enable of the D&G Climate Group and can be anyone to contribute their views contacted at glenkensclimategroup@p on how the council addresses the rotonmail.com challenges facing us all. He stressed that he had had full support from From Pony Express to Royal Mail... THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Fiona Clubb making good use of the new Royal Mail postbox which has been installed at the end of the Water o’ Ken road. How much more greener can you get? No fuel just, literally, greenpowered...Getting the mail sent is much more achievable now that she can pop along to the new postbox, just a pleasant ride away from her home at Blackmark Farm on her Highland pony Brie! This lovely photograph was sent in by Kath Martin from Carsphairn. Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY � 01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS � Glenkens Gazette page 6 Alive and Kicking at Loch Ken Exciting things are happening at Loch Ken, with the appointment of a new full-time development worker. Barnaby Fryer has started in role recently to run the Loch Ken Alive project. We caught up with Barnaby to find out a bit more about the project and what he’ll be getting up to. Barnaby says: “First and foremost, Loch Ken Alive is about bringing all the Loch Ken communities together to ask ourselves ‘what do we want this area to look like in 10 years’ time?’ At a time when we are facing uncertainty at home and abroad, how can we build a thriving, prosperous, sustainable community around Loch Ken?” Barnaby believes that Loch Ken has all the resources in place to do exactly that. Although he and his family have moved to the area for the job, he is no stranger to the Galloway glens. “I have been a regular visitor to the area for over a decade, to visit family,” says Barnaby. “There is something magical about this place. From the amazing natural landscapes to the friendly communities, the passionate local businesses and entrepreneurial spirit all combine to make this a real gem at the heart of Galloway. “Through Loch Ken Alive, we want to tell people all about the wonderful natural and cultural heritage of the area. We want to showcase all the activities you can do on the loch, as well as the beautiful views you can only see from the water. We want to see thriving businesses around the loch, creating employment opportunities so that people won’t have to leave the area to find work.” To achieve these aims, there are four main strands to Loch Ken Alive. Alan Smith, chair of Loch Ken Trust, with Barnaby These are laid out below, Fryer, Loch Ken Alive officer together with some of the The area covered by Loch Ken Alive key questions we would runs from Dalry in the north to like to hear your thoughts on. Castle Douglas in the south taking in • Develop a Loch Ken Plan: What do Balmaclellan, New Galloway, Parton, we want the future of Loch Ken to look Crossmichael, Glenlochar, Laurieston, like? How do you see Loch Ken in 10 Balmaghie and Mossdale along the way. years’ time? What would you like to see The project is a partnership between more of? What puts you off visiting the the Galloway Glens Landscape Loch? Partnership, Loch Ken Trust and the • Launch an online information hub for Southern Uplands Partnership. Barney Loch Ken: What kind of information is based with the Galloway Glens team would you like to see on a Loch Ken in Castle Douglas, but will be getting website? How would you like to access out and about regularly to all the it eg mobile, app, computer? communities around the Loch. • Stage a series of festivals and events “I’m really keen to hear the views of over the next three years: Do you everyone who lives, works or plays currently attend any events at Loch around Loch Ken,” continues Barnaby. Ken? What kind of events and festivals “We can’t build the Loch Ken Plan would you visit? without the voices of the Loch Ken • Run a campaign to promote the Loch people!” Ken area: How would you promote the Pop in and see Barnaby to tell him your Loch Ken area? What story should we thoughts, or you can get in touch at be telling about Loch Ken to attract barnaby.fryer@lochkenalive. visitors? Kirkcudbright Bridge Images and words by John Smith I recall the story Of the man in the boat Under the bridge Who pointed out Exposed and corroded Steel reinforcements Then came the scaffolding I have a photo of that too John says: “The Writers’ Café, and the poetry walks that Ken Words have organised have given me a new lease of life, both in my photography and in my writing and I recommend them to anyone who wants to share their endeavours with others.” Our second crossing From town to Castle Sod It bounds. The first, I’m told Damaged by ice floes, Yes, ice floes While the second Nearly carried away By tanker caught Broadside by the tide Glenkens Gazette page 7 Fundraising at the Salon There’s more than just hair and massage happening at Hair by Jayne in Dalry. Over the last few months there have been two fundriasing events held at the salon - a Macmillan coffee afternoon and an afternoon to raise awareness of mental health issues. Firstly Jayne would like to say a very big thank you to everyone involved with both events. She says: “Thank you so much to all the bakers and soup makers out there - you know who you are; too many of you to mention by name, but you are amazing and we couldn’t do it without you all. We have a great team of helpers, and our local businesses who donate great raffle prizes are also amazing - thank you!” The Macmillan coffee afternoon raised a grand total of £772.50, and the fundraising afternoon in aid of mental health awareness received great support for our local community and we all enjoyed a lovely relaxing afternoon while raising an amazing £384, which was donated to Supporting Minds in Castle Douglas. Jayne says: “A big thank you to those who came to both these events - our community is very special. Wishing everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year from Blair and Jayne.” Pictured: visitors enjoy coffee and cakes at the Macmillan fundraising afternoon. Kindling available GLENKENS ROUTE Thursdays: 12noon-1pm – Crossmichael 1-2pm – Parton/Loch Ken Holiday Park 2-4pm – Balmaclellan area 4-5.30pm – The Hidden Road Fridays: 8-10.30am – Dalry 10.30-11am – Glenlee Area 11am – New Galloway 12noon – New Galloway Shop 2pm – Mossdale area 3-4pm – Laurieston to Gatehouse Please note that all times are approximate. 07966 103 912 charliecoid@hotmail.com Fleet Fish aims to provide top quality produce which is sourced as locally as possible. We take pride in offering friendly door-to-door service tailored to our customers’ needs. Glenkens Gazette page 8 Our New Glenkens Community Police Officer: Amy Baird PC Amy Baird is our new community police officer in the Glenkens. We thought we’d find out a little more about her with a few questions in the Gazette, to help us become better aquainted with someone who will hopefully be with us for a while. Q Where are you from and what is your working history (what areas of policing, or other work areas if you would like to mention those)? A I have recently been appointed a new role as a Community Constable within the Stewartry Community Policing Team based at Castle Douglas, with my primary responsibility being for the Glenkens area. I have 12 years of service within the Police, having started my career at Stranraer and then Kirkcudbright and Castle Douglas respectively. The last 8 years of which I have spent within the Roads Policing Unit, a role which I thoroughly enjoyed, however having returned to work after a period of maternity leave this new role came up at just the right time. Q What do you like about being a community police officer? A This is a very new challenge for me having just started the role in October. I am looking forward to meeting you all at some point whether that is through community councils, school visits or just out and about on my patrols. Q What made you choose the Glenkens role? A Having lived and worked within the Stewartry for the majority of my life I want to help to deliver a Policing service that I feel the people of the Glenkens deserve. Q What have you enjoyed so far, or are looking forward to, about working in the Glenkens? A I am looking forward to getting to know the people and places well, working with the community to help keep people safe in their local area. Q Do you have any particular areas you will be focusing on over the coming months? A Our main priorities for Policing are tackling anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and substance misuse, homes being broken into, protecting vulnerable people at risk of harm and violent ULTRASOUND PREGNANCY SCANNING ����������������� �������������������������������� ��������������������������������� ��������������������� ����������������������������� For bookings and info: Duncan Kennedy 07860 474001 dk@passcan.co.uk www.passcan.co.uk crime. I hope to carry out proactive patrols in relation to these issues and always welcome any information from the public. Amy says: “Please feel free to come and discuss any issues or concerns you have with me and, in the meantime, I look forward to meeting you out and about in all of your towns and villages in the Glenkens.” See the Diary section on p26 for Dalry Police Station drop-in dates/times. Glenkens Gazette page 9 CatStrand Highlights We are counting down to Christmas and beyond at CatStrand with plenty of events to get you into the festive spirit. Local superstars CatStrand Youth Players present their pantomime Beau Jest on 6, 7 and 8 December and CatStrand Ukes are back for their Christmas party on Tuesday 10 December. The Sugar Revue Burlesque Variety Show returns with a new line-up of acts from the glittering best of the Scottish burlesque scene on Friday 13 December - this is one for over-18s only. Our Wee Book House+ event this season sees the lovely Crossmichael Church playing host to an afternoon performance from the Cairn Chorus on Saturday 21 December, based this year on Hugh McMillan’s work, the Conversations of Sheep. Hugh will be present to read some of his poetry and the church hall will serve up teas and mince pies following the concert from Moniaive’s celebrated choristers. In the New Year Dark Sky Jazz returns with a bang as we welcome one of the most innovative and dynamic jazz groups on the new wave Nordic jazz scene, WAKO. The group bring their four piece sound to CatStrand on Friday 10 January. If the dark days are getting to you, why not head along to one of our Mid Winter Film Festival screenings, taking place across the Glenkens with complimentary hot toddies and blankets to keep you cosy. There’s something for everyone across the weekend... On Saturday 11 Jan at Dalry Town Hall you can indulge in a heart-warming Irish documentary, The Man Who Cairn Chorus with Conversations of Sheep. Wanted to Fly, about 70-yearold County Cavan man, Bobby, Hall on Sunday 12 January serves up who is determined to fly a a breathtakingly atmospheric tale of plane. For those looking to embrace anguish that will hit the spot. the bleakness of the season Welsh For tickets or further information super-natural, folk-horror film Gwen visit www.catstrand.com or call screening in Carsphairn at Lagwgyne 01644 420 374. GLENKENS WALL MURAL FEATURE Our newly created mural at CatStrand is now in place; the culmination of the hard work of an intergenerational group from our community and local artist Hope London. The project, which began in the summer of 2018, aimed to renovate the wall in our sculpture garden with a piece of art which represented the Glenkens through the eyes of the community. Red kites, lochs and the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park, for example, all feature in abstract and colourful patterns. Volunteers from our youth arts programme and connecting in communities programme joined forces to design the mural – looking at shapes and symbols that summed up the Glenkens for them – then worked on creating it over a number of workshops led by Hope London. The final design was created at the Men’s Shed in Balmaclellan where the group applied acrylic paint to six sheets of 7 foot long perspex. Other members of the community have also helped out by creating templates, moving materials, preparing the garden space and installing the mural. Lead artist, Hope London, said: “Working with communities has long been part of my practice as an artist. I work with people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to unleash creative potential and growth. Creating a CatStrand mural with an inspiring, energetic intergenerational group has reinforced my belief in the transformative power of the arts.” Finally, we would like to thank Hope and everyone from our community who helped to make this project a reality, and we invite everyone to come and view our stunning new mural. Katy Billington, Youth Arts Coordinator Glenkens Gazette Blackcraig Funding for Local Projects Continued from front page... The list on the Foundation Scotland website demonstrates the wide range of projects and activities funded and there are too many to mention in this short article. However some examples are new fire doors in Balmaclellan Hall, replacement of the roof on the Men’s Shed in Balmaclellan including the installation of photo voltaic panels, replacement of the floor in the Memorial Hall in Crossmichael, contributing to the long required lift in New Galloway Town Hall, supporting the charity shop in Dalry to ensure it is properly fitted out after the renovation works being carried out by The Pamela Young Trust as well as several awards to projects focused on environmental improvement and other activities in the arts. Monies were awarded to three playgroups in the area in recognition of the importance of the work they do and also the ongoing challenges they face in funding this important work. Glenkens Community and Arts Trust Ltd (GCAT) were awarded money towards infrastructure and facilities recognising that GCAT has a strong track record of successful delivery on a large scale and that it supports and enables significant additional community-led activity across the area. All involved have learned a lot though this process and GDT, with Foundation Scotland, will be reviewing how it went to refine how the process will run in the future. GDT are also moving forward with the work to develop a community action plan. This plan will be of general use in helping to lay out key community development strategies for the whole area and will enable them to draw on this to identify future fund priorities. It will also help GDT to decide on appropriate opening and closing dates for applications in 2020. A good plan depends on effective input from right across the area and plans are being developed to make this happen. There will be more information available on this is due course. Fiona Smith, Chairman, GDT THE GARDEN SPOT Sometimes I get the impression that nothing much is happening in the garden at this time of year. The main crops and flowers are all over, the garlic and spring bulbs are peeking their heads above the cold ground but waiting for better weather. The spring cabbage seems to be just sitting there and even the compost heap has slowed down its rotting. Then I remember, it’s like the start of a race, everyone is on their starting blocks, building up energy and waiting for the signal. In this calm before the spring growing spurt, now is the time to see to all those little jobs you have put off: clean the used pots that you just flung in the corner, clean and check over all the tools, replace any consumables (twine, labels, canes, netting and fertiliser/lime etc) - there are often bargains to be had at this time of year. You can also top-dress the soil with garden compost, farmyard or horse manure, and wood ash if you can get it (don’t use coal ash or soot). It’s also page 10 THE DAD JOKE PLAGUE Reporting here from Carsphairn The epidemic has spread far and wide No-one knows quite how it started Poor taste is often implied They’ve named it the dad joke plague A cure has yet to be found These jokes should never be told Outside a primary playground They say there’s a man in Dalry Who’s named as patient zero Adults give him wide berth But the kids think of him as a hero That catalyst first joke Was Mr Spock’s third ear Left and right of course And Space, the final ‘front ear’ So, if you hear these words ‘have you heard the one about’ Cover your ears and la la la Until after the last word is out necessary. You don’t want to choke the poor things when they start into growth in the spring. Finally, remember to clear away all the fruit tree leaves, and the debris from tomato and potato plants - either burn or take to the recycling centre. You don’t want to leave last year’s infections to carry over to the new year. if you have an empty pot or two, you should still be able to find some spring bulbs in the shops or garden centre, just make sure they are nice and firm. Get them planted for some bonus spring colour. The Intrepid Gardener a good time to plan for next season whilst you can still remember a bit about the last season, and get on to ordering plants for spring delivery and seeds. Speaking of which, winter is the perfect time to plant anything you buy ‘bare-rooted’. This is the old way of buying plants – not potted up. Plenty of places online still sell bare-rooted plants. They just arrive in the post and you get them straight in, much cheaper and they get away well in the spring. Why not plant a couple of apple trees if you have space? Make sure that they are in the same pollination group, are suitable for our climate in the West and that you get stakes and ties ready. Local dessert varieties ‘Galloway Pippin’ and ‘Bloody Ploughman’ work well together as does the sweet cooking variety ‘Hawthornden’. Speaking of fruit trees, hopefully they have put on a bit of growth over the summer, so (if they are staked), check Loosening tree tie before raking up leaves. the ties and loosen if Glenkens Gazette ��������� ���������������� ����� Glenkens Community Centre is making plans for a new look in 2020. A new committee was formed in April after both Kath Peace and Helen Keron stood down from their committee roles. Both are to be thanked for their hard work over the years, especially Kath Peace who has been part of the community centre for 30 years! The new committee is Carylann Williamson (chair); Ann McEwen(vice chair): Kath Peters (secretary) and David Hill (treasurer). The committee hope to create a fresh way forward for the centre with a focus on health and wellbeing. The community centre has recently been awarded £1,784 from the Blackcraig Windfarm Trust and the funds will be used to help turn the centre into a hub for the area which will provide a range of wellbeing activities for all ages. It is intended not only to increase the range of activities available, but also to create an information centre with a small office where groups and people can have private meetings. We hope this facility will be available for hire soon once a few small jobs are done. In 2020, a community coffee morning is planned, initially fortnightly with the hope that it will become more regular as more volunteers are recruited. It will be a casual affair, just teas, coffees and maybe some home baking and a purely social activity where people can come together and have a chat (and maybe plan some new users groups too!). The committee want the people of the Glenkens to get used to using their community centre again and see it as a place to connect and have fun. A new sign has been designed and ordered for outside, funded by Dalry Community Properties Trust (who own the building). The trust are also funding the upgrade of the toilets. In September, £500 was awarded from Scotmid towards new badminton equipment, and now groups and individuals can enjoy a game of badminton on Monday evenings from 5-9pm, and Saturday mornings too. Table tennis will soon be available as well at the same times. The Glenkens Community Shop kindly donated some badminton rackets, and Dalry Town hall contributed a net and shuttlecocks. In September, the centre hosted a foraging event as part of the Glenkens Food Trail, and we hope to be part of the developing festival next year too. Bright Stars Nursery continue to provide care and support for the under-2s and are open three days per week, with afternoon provision too. Yoga classes are on a Wednesday evening at the new time of 5.30pm with more classes planned in the New Year – a morning session and also a new healthy back programme. The longstanding Kickback Martial Arts group still runs on a Thursday evening, and is one of the largest groups in Dumfries & Galloway. Brownies and Guides are also still going strong on a Tuesday evening. New users groups are welcome. Anyone interested in setting up a group, please get in touch with our treasurer Dave Hill who manages bookings. New members are invited too as are any ideas on how people would like to see their centre develop consultation forms are available for people to complete page 11 and will be in circulation soon. We also have a Facebook page and posters around the area with details of activities available, as well as regular activities listed in the Regular Events section on p27 of this Gazette. Looking forward to the future! Glenkens Community Centre Committee Glenkens Gazette page 12 Glenkens Gazette page 13 Tasting NEW RECTOR FOR ST Christmas Evening MARGARET’S The Revd Pam Swift has been appointed as Rector of St Margaret’s Church, New Galloway. New Galloway Community Shop had already settled on Thursday 12 December for its popular Christmas tasting evening before MPs thought it would be a good time to have a general election. After a special service at the end of November, led by Bishop Mark Strange, the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, Pam started her ministry at the beginning of Advent. Her plans include a special Christmas Carol service on 22 December at 6pm which she is hoping will be an opportunity for everyone, even non-church goers, to enjoy the Christmas spirit. Over the years she has worked in Leeds and Glasgow, as well as rural areas close to Pam and her dog Penny outside St Margaret’s Church. Hadrian’s Wall and hospital Chaplaincies in the north of England. She has ministered to the homeless and those on the fringes of society and has a strong calling to help anyone in need. She says: “I was delighted when I was offered the post at St Margaret’s and I’m very much looking forward to joining the local community of New Galloway and the wider one of the Glenkens. Be assured there will always be a welcome, human and canine, at the Rectory.” She and her collie, Penny, are keen walkers so please extend a welcome if you bump into them around the village. Rather than change the date, the shop will be offering local residents the chance of going out to vote and sample the delights of the festive fare on offer this Christmas. Local suppliers including Steilhead Cider, Professor Pods Sauces, The Bottle List, Saucy Desserts and Fabby Cakes will be offering the chance to sample their wares and learn more about their products. The shop now stocks produce from some 25 local businesses. So, before or after selecting the party of your choice, come and select some treats for the festive season. The tasting session will run from 5-7pm. Everyone is welcome - see you there! Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 14 Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry Licensed convenience store and newsagent stocking a range of local suppliers. - We would like to thank all our customers for their continued support and pass on best wishes for the Festive season Festive Season Opening Times: Christmas Eve: 7am - 5pm Christmas Day: closed Boxing Day: 8am - 2pm Hogmanay: 7am - 5pm 1st January: closed 2nd January: 8am - 2pm SHOP L THIS CHR Here in the Glenkens we ar of having a wealth of local p crafters, artists and artisan Normal Opening Times (both shop & PO): Quite literally, we don’t have to leave gather everything we could possibly So why not challenge yourself this Christmas entirely in the Glenken Galloway hampers & wreaths in stock Tel: 01644 430 225 Committing to shopping local may m How about opting for interesting alte like a haircut, massage or day out, o family out for a meal as a refreshing accumulated at this time of the year? Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm 14th December 11th January 10am-12.30pm For further information or to book a stall ring 01644 430 454 or visit www.dalrytownhall.co.uk Entrance by donation - proceeds towards Dalry Town Hall Refurbishment Fund North of Castle Douglas, A713 Ayr Road Glenkens Gazette LOCAL RISTMAS re in the wonderful position producers, retailers, ns on our doorstep. e our little part of the world to want for a wonderful festive season. s year - see if you can shop for ns! mean a little more creative thinking... ernatives such as vouchers for treats or making time to take friends or change from all the stuff so often ? There’s more than just hair and massage happening at the salon! Our Macmillan Cafe was again a great success - we raised £772.50. Thank you to eveyone who came along and supported the event. We held a mental health awareness fundraising afternoon which brought in an amazing total of £384 which was donated to Supporting Minds in Castle Douglas. Jayne and Blair wish all their customers a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year! 01644 430 525 07876 397 725 page 15 WISHING ALL OUR CUSTOMERS A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! Christmas Menu 1-24 December - BOOKINGS FOR XMAS PARTIES BEING TAKEN We will be closed from 13-30 Jan for winter refurb & staff hols, re-opening Fri 31 Jan 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk Glenkens Gazette The 51st Annual Carsphairn Burns Supper Celebration Friday 17th January 2020 Lagwyne Hall Carsphairn 7pm for 7.30pm Price £15, seats must be reserved in advance by emailing lindsayduncan23@hotmail.co.uk or phoning Davey on 07710 124255 - Brian Edgar: Immortal Memory - Bruce Mckenzie: Toast to the Lassies -- Katie Morrison: Reply to the Laddie - Music by Bruce Mckenzie - Catering by Ayrshire Catering Early booking is recommended as 2019 event was over subscribed. page 16 Glenkens Gazette page 17 Movement in Pregnancy, New Motherhood and Beyond The birth journey is a rite of passage; a baby is born, and a mother is born. We shift and become new beings, and our bodies go through a huge transformation, housing and growing another human. As well as the physical upheaval, the emotional disorientation can be profound. I am a yoga teacher living in the Glenkens and I had my first baby six months ago. I enjoyed my pregnancy and even look back on the 22-hour birth with rose-tinted spectacles…the pain fades pretty fast when you are presented with a tiny human gift at the end of the ordeal! When you fall pregnant, a serious amount of letting go needs to happen. We must learn to slow down and stop pushing ourselves. For me, as a yoga teacher, this was challenging - I was used to a strong daily yoga practice, but as my body was changing, my practice needed to change. Morning sickness meant that yoga was completely off-limits for a few weeks. However, I was lucky enough in week 26 to take my pregnancy and post-natal yoga teacher training in Glasgow with the awesome Charlie Speller. We learned breathwork, bodywork and tailored yoga postures for pregnant and postpartum people. It transformed my experience of pregnancy, and I still find the practices incredibly supportive to me as a new mother. There is a saying “42 days for 42 years”, meaning that a woman’s robust health in the first 42 days of motherhood can set her up for 42 years of radiance and wellbeing. Creating a wellbeing regimen for pregnancy and the postpartum period need not be complicated. Mineral-rich food, the support of loved ones and getting plenty of rest are all essential. However, movement is also essential as it counters the stagnation of circulation and energy which leads to pain and tension. Whether it’s 10 minutes of stretching, a dance in the kitchen with your little one or getting out for a walk in this beautiful landscape we call home, it all contributes. This little being becomes your entire world, but it is also important to make sure your needs are met. Parenthood can take a lot from us and modern life makes demands of us in all sorts of other ways. Movement gets us out of our heads and into our bodies. It is vital to our physical wellbeing. It gets us together as a community and out into nature. And it’s nice to know that in caring for ourselves, we care for our little ones too. Amy teaches vinyasa yoga on Tuesday evenings at the Old Smithy in Balmaclellan. She is running two events in early December for pregnant and postpartum women. The first, ‘Restore and Nurture: A Yoga Workshop for New Parents’ is on 7 December and the second, ‘Softening Through Intensity: A Pregnancy Yoga Workshop’ is on 14 December. Both run from 10am to 12pm, and are £5 to attend. To book a class or a workshop, please call the CatStrand on 01644 420 374 or visit Rowan Tree Yoga & Wellbeing on Facebook to find out more. Amy Fowler Beavers’ Annual Fun Day Out The annual Beavers’ fun day was held at Kirroughtree Visitor Centre. The event was attended by Beavers from the Glenkens as well as Dalbeattie, Minnigaff and Twynholm. The group went orienteering and enjoyed den-building organised by the Kirroughtree staff. Three Beaver Leaders received service awards from Galloway Scout chairman Drew Low, two of whom were from the Glenkens: Tim Thorne (acknowledged for five years of service) and Diana Curran (acknowledged for 15 years of service). Drew Low Beavers from the Glenkens, Dalbeattie, Minnigaff and Twynholm. Glenkens Gazette page 18 HALLOWEEN AT DALRY PRIMARY Firstly, everybody came to school dressed in their Halloween costumes. Everyone looked terrific. At 9.15am we all went through to the hall and we had a costume parade, and we had to try to walk in character. Then we played four corners James in P1 won. Then we tried to catch marshmallows on a string, while we were on our knees with our hands behind our backs. Once the game had ended we went to get a drink and a biscuit. Next we wrapped each other in toilet paper as mummies. Karol and Jayden’s groups won. After we wrapped our mummies we sat down then went for break. Everyone had a great time. Laya & Karol, P6 Freya, Esme and Eleanor in scary Halloween costumes, and Emily and Oakley playing the marshmallow-on-a-string game. FoDS and CatStrand Halloween This year Friends of Dalry School (FoDS) and CatStrand joined forces to host a joint kids Halloween party. The idea is to alternate venues each year so that we can have one bigger, better Glenkens Halloween party rather than clashing parties in different locations. This year’s party, held at the CatStrand, was a great success with children of all ages enjoying games, snacks, dancing and generally having fun, being spooked out by eachother’s excellent Halloween costumes. Later on in the evening was a Youth Halloween event for over-12s, during which a scary film was shown and scary food eaten... Some of the older Halloween revellers enjoying the evening’s scary goings-on. Glenkens Gazette CATSTRAND YOUTH CALL OUT FOR YOUNG PERFORMERS AND MUSICIANS (S1+) Interested in performance? Want to learn how to create a soundtrack? Fancy mastering puppets? As part of a community performance on climate change on 22 February, a group from CatStrand Youth are getting together to perform a short retelling of an ancient story about flooding. Led by storyteller Anne Errington, we’re holding a series of workshops in preparation for this. We specifically need people who like controlled movement to learn how to master the puppets and people who like music to learn how put together a soundtrack. Our first meeting will be held at CatStrand on Thursday 12 December from 6-8pm. Come along to find out how to be involved! YOUTH BUS SET TO LAUNCH Our Get On It Transport Initiative is in full swing and we are now set to launch our first pilot which will be a bus service for young people running on Sundays. This has been designed based on the feedback we’ve had from various youth groups. There will be two routes available – Top Bands Turn Out for Battle The night of the Battle of the Bands event was a joy, from beginning to end. Young people get such a bad reputation yet everyone who attended was polite, engaged and organised from the start. We got an audience of 71 plus five acts in Castle Douglas Town Hall. They were all really good, and it was a very tough call for the judges to pick a winner. We ended up splitting the prize, with a three-piece band called The Fuzzkills from Dumfries and Ecclefechan winning the performance slot at Knockengorroch festival, with local band Pure Silver winning the Eden Festival slot and Ya’el Du Toit-Burns, who was a solo singer/ songwriter, winning the recording studio session at Circa 16. A massive thanks to our judges who gave their time on Saturday night to support the event. They each had their unique perspective and experience which helped them to pick up the strengths and weaknesses of each competitor. Bernstrum and the Men (which was my favourite band name) did a great Smiths cover, already had their own group of female fans and, although they came away without a prize, were charismatic and added an element of fun to the night. H2 (Hannah and Hamish) from Dalbeattie, after a false start and a bit of a sound level tweak, did a fabulous acoustic set and cover of the band Cage the Elephants’ Cigarette Daydream. All in all a great night for live music and it was even more special as it was emerging youth talent creating the sounds, and, the best bit of all, both Eden and Knockengorroch have given their support for next year and all our contestants will still be young enough to enter again! With a year to prepare, I’d expect to see more entrants next year and it grow from strength to strength. Catherine Phillips page 19 one from Dalry to Kirkcudbright, via numerous stops and a second which will be a loop from Kirkcudbright to Gatehouse and surrounding areas. Full details will be published soon on CatStrand Youth’s facebook page and website so stay tuned. For now though, here are some key details: - The bus will run every Sunday for ten weeks from 22 December - It’s free! - It’s for young people aged 13-26 - To use the bus, young people will need to register with CatStrand Youth and U18s will need parental consent. More details will follow, but if you’d like to express interest in receiving updates or get a consent form, please email katy@catstrand.com Glenkens Gazette page 20 TECHNOLOGY EXPLAINED: BROADBAND This is the first of a short series of articles explaining what you need to know to get the best out of technology, kept simple with just the stuff you need. In basic terms, your internet connection enables a flow of information both ways between your device (computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone) and everywhere else on the planet. Some printers can also connect to your home network and they would also be a ‘device’ for the purpose of this article. Years ago, we had dial-up connections where it completely took over your phone line and worked very slowly, speeds up to about 0.25GB (think of the amount of water coming out of a water pistol). Then we got broadband - some clever soul worked out how to speed it up and jam it down the same wire as the telephone at up to 8GB (think of the amount of water from a garden hose). More recently we got high-speed broadband by getting fibre optics (a kind of thin, glass cable) to the BT cabinet and then by copper telephone wire from there to your home, giving speeds up to 48GB (think of water coming out of a fireman’s hose). You can check what you are actually receiving, by googling ‘broadband speed test’ and run one of those that you find – anything less than 2GB down is pretty poor. Now, when the phone cable arrives at your house, the first thing you need is a ‘microfilter’, a matchbox sized device which splits apart the phone and the internet signal. If you don’t have a microfilter, or it is faulty, you get lots of noise on the telephone and the internet works badly or not at all. They are only about £4 to replace. The ‘internet’ cable from the microfilter (strictly called ADSL or something else ending in DSL) goes to your router. The router does several things (originally it was several different boxes): it decodes the ADSL so your devices can use it, it sends bits of the signal to the right device and switches between them, finally it provides Wi-Fi – a wireless connection using a form of radio signal so that you don’t need to plug your device into the router. Wi-Fi is quite a weak signal – think of trying to listen to someone speaking loudly… about 10 to 15 metres in clear air but a lot less through walls. The signal weakens with distance. Each router works on one of several channels, if you have close neighbours, then perhaps their routers operate on the same channel as yours, if so, you can improve your signal by changing your router’s channel (too detailed to explain here). Otherwise you can get your Wi-Fi signal to parts of the house that are currently a black spot by using a ‘Wi-Fi extender’. Two main types are available: powerline, this transmits the signal through your electric circuit and you need to have a pair; and a Wi-Fi Access Point which picks up the Wi-Fi signal and passes it further on. There now...that wasn’t too painful, was it? Paul Goodwin Glenkens Gazette Path Making It’s exciting times at the Galloway Glens office as our ‘Accessing the Galloway Glens’ projects really start to gain traction. You may have seen helicopters flying near Carsphairn as they deliver the aggregate for path surfacing up in the foothills of the Rhins of Kells. Those flights are for the revival of the Glenkens Pilgrims Way, also known as the Pack Road – the old pilgrims’ route that runs from Carsphairn to New Galloway via Polmaddy. Records show that King James IV walked on pilgrimage on this path to Whithorn in the late 15th Century and it has been described as the A713 of its time! Phase 1 for the Galloway Glens Pack Road project involves reviving an existing but disappearing path over open moorlands and re-creating the original path through forestry to create a 7km stretch between Carnavel (just south of Carsphairn) and the deserted ‘ferm toun’ settlement of Polmaddy (opposite Dundeugh). The moorland, behind the Bradenoch and Bardennoch Hills, has many sites of archaeological interest, including cairns, early farm steadings and Christian sites, and so the creation of this path (which will be suitable for walkers, off-road cyclists and horse-riders) will be a great improvement to access to this local heritage. The work is being carried out by WJ Murray, with support from Skyhook Helicopters, and started in early November. It includes the laying of new geo-grid and geotextile based paths, signposting and way marking and carrying out drainage improvements, and should be completed by Christmas. The new path will be waymarked from both the Carnavel and Polmaddy ends, so do page 21 go up and have a look in the New Year! Polmaddy is a site of particular archaeological significance, and is an excellent place for an atmospheric walk or picnic. Jonathan Barrett, Land Management and Access Officer for the Galloway Glens said: “We are delighted to have got started on this excellent project. This is an historic route that was the main route into the Glenkens from the north for more than a thousand years, and so it’s fantastic to be able to open it back up. When the path is completed, I am hoping to work with local community groups to create some interpretation of the many historical sites along the way, making it even more interesting for walkers and riders.” This work has been largely funded by the ‘Improving Public Access’ fund, a European AgriEnvironment scheme being administered by Scottish Natural Heritage. They are also funding two more Galloway Glens path improvement projects – the Torrs Point path above Kirkcudbright Bay and the Blackpark to Threave path out of Castle Douglas. Both of these paths will be accessible for all, including wheelchair users and pushchairs, and will open up access to new areas from within the towns. For more details on these and other Galloway Glens projects, see our website at www.gallowayglens.org For updates on the path construction progress, follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, @GallowayGlens or Jonathan can be contacted on jonathan.barrett@dumgal.gov.uk Glenkens Gazette page 22 Dalry Then and Now Exhibition Dalry Town Hall was the setting for the historical exhibition ‘Dalry Then and Now’ organised by the local heritage group. Over the course of the weekend visitor numbers came to around 146, and then the primary school came along for a look on the Monday, bringing the grand total of viewers beyond 200. On behalf of the many people who enjoyed the exhibition, the Dalry Heritage Group would like to thank all of those who loaned items for display and everyone who helped set up and man the exhibition and, of course, those who helped clear it all away too. Photograph: visitors browsing old photographs at the exhibition. GLENKENS PLACE NAMES: PART ONE Over the next few issues of the Gazette Mike Ansell, from New Galloway, will look at some of our Glenkens place-names and their history. Place-names can provide many clues as to the past history, landuse, culture and environment of the landscape around us. In a series of articles I intend to use the rich placename heritage of the Glenkens to help illuminate otherwise inaccessible aspects of our past. Our knowledge and understanding of local placenames will hopefully soon be further enhanced with the publication of the results from the ‘Place-names of the Galloway Glens’ project. We will look at the parishes of Carsphairn, Dalry, Kells and Balmaclellan, with these names themselves being discussed later in the series. But first, a brief summary of the language strata that existed in our area. The earliest known language spoken in the Glenkens was Brittonic, related to Welsh. This had probably died out before AD1000 and evidence for the language in our place-names is limited but none the less very interesting. From the period 900-1000AD the Glenkens would have been thoroughly Gaelicised and the majority of our surviving place-names were coined in Gaelic. This language probably died out locally in the seventeenth century (although this is a debated topic to which we will return). Scots place-names are common and are generally more recent and, finally, we have standard English place-names continuing to be created. There is little evidence for Scandinavian place-names in the Glenkens. Starting off with the earliest evidenced stratum of place-names then Troquhain, in Balmaclellan parish, is a Brittonic name, suggested to be derived from ‘tref chwaen’ or ‘homestead of an exploit’, with speculation that this might be the site of an old battlefield. It is interesting to note the two placenames Torwilkie and Torwatletie nearby, which may also incorporate the Brittonic generic element tref. It has been considered that the lost Brittonic name of Trevercarcou, which may have been the earlier name for Earlstoun, potentially with the derivation ‘homestead of the torrents’ referring to the pre-hydro scheme waterfalls. However, other suggestions have been made that this place was probably in Balmaclellan and, if so, the cluster of potentially Brittonic placenames in this area may imply the later survival of a Brittonic speaking community there. This idea might be further strengthened by the lost placename Le Contrefe which has been considered to be in Balmaclellan, and relate to a central homestead covering the whole of the Glenken, and may be a Gaelicised version of Brittonic pen(n) + tref, for a land holding at the end [of something]. It is worth perhaps also mentioning the term ‘farchier’ in a charter of 1422 which has been identified by Alan Millikan as being near Killochie in Balmaclellan parish, and assuming this represents Gaelic ‘fartair’, noted the conclusion that this could be a Gaelic version of Welsh ‘gwyrthyr’, ‘a fortress’. A further two potentially Brittonic place-names come to mind, this time located close together in the remote north of Carsphairn parish. These are Petillery Hill and Minishtree, overlooking the Water of Deugh. If the place-name Petillery had occurred in North-East Scotland, it would immediately be looked-on as a Gaelic place-name incorporating a Pictish (Pictish was a language closely related to Brittonic) loan word, ‘pett’, a ‘landshare’ or ‘portion’, with the whole being ‘pett na h-iolaire’; ‘portion of the eagle’. However, in the south-west this is more likely to be a wholly Gaelic name, probably ‘pait na h-iolaire’, the hump of the eagle. Minishtree is situated about 600m from the Ayrshire border and may represent Britonnic ‘minidd-istre’, ‘border upland’. Thanks to Alan James (pers comm) for these suggestions. It is interesting to note that a few kilometres to the west is Erriff, from Gaelic ‘airbhe’, also meaning ‘boundary which straddles the district boundary’. These placenames testifiy to the longevity of our county boundaries. The final place-name I would mention is Trolane, near Dalry, which might contain the Brittonic element ‘tref’. However, it is probably more likely to be derived from Gaelic ‘tòrr leathan’, ‘broad mound’. In summary, then, we have a limited but interesting group of Brittonic and possible-Brittonic place-names in the Glenkens, with the cluster in Balmaclellan hinting perhaps at the later survival of a Brittonic speech community and possibly some kind of wider territorial centre here. In the next edition of the Gazette we will look at the parish names themselves and what the place-name Glenken(s) might itself represent. Information, thoughts and ideas from a number of experts in the field of language and history have been used in this article please get in touch if you would like further information on these background resources at glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 23 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN Robert Heron’s Last Letter I have published several articles on New Galloway’s polymath, Robert Heron (1764- 1807). His last known letter lists his accomplishments. It is a sad and, in the best sense of the word, pathetic specimen reviewing a rather sad life, lived but not honoured: Ever since I was eleven years of age I have mingled with my studies the labour of teaching or writing to support and educate myself. During about twenty years, while I was in constant and occasional attendance at the University of Edinburgh, I taught and assisted young persons at all periods in the course of education, from the alphabet to the highest branches of science and literature. I read lectures on the law of nature, the law of nations, the Jewish, the Grecian, the Roman, and the canon law. And then on feudal law, and on the several forms of municipal jurisprudence established in modern Europe. I printed a syllabus of these lectures, which was approved; they were as introductory to the professional study of law, and to assist gentlemen who did not study it professionally in the understanding of history. I translated Fourcroy’s Chemistry twice, Savary’s Travels in Greece, Demourier’s Letters, Gesner’s Idyls in part, an abstract of Zimmerman on Solitude, and a great diversity of smaller pieces. I wrote A Journey through the Western Parts of Scotland, which has passed through two editions; A History of Scotland in six volumes 8vo; A Topographical Account of Scotland, which has been several times reprinted; a number of communications in the Edinburgh Magazine; many prefaces and critiques. A Memoir of the Life of Burns, which suggested and promoted the subscription for his family, has been reprinted, and formed the basis of Dr Currie’s life of him, as I learned by a letter from the doctor to one of his friends; a variety of jeux d’esprit, in verse and prose, and many abridgements of large works. In the beginning of 1799 I was encouraged to come to London. Here I have written a great multiplicity of articles in almost every branch of literature, my education in Edinburgh having comprehended them all. The London Review, the Agricultural Magazine, the Universal Magazine, the Anti-Jacobin Review, the Public Characters, the Annual Necrology, with several other periodical works, contain many of my communications. In such of these publications as have been reviewed, I can show that my anonymous pieces have been distinguished with very high praise. I have written also a short system of Chemistry, and I published a few any one person. I have written also a great variety of compositions in Latin and French, in favour of which I have been honoured with the testimonials of liberal approbation. I have invariably written to serve the cause of religion and morality, pious Christian education, and good order in the most direct manner. I have considered what I have written as mere trifles, and I have incessantly studied to qualify myself for something better. I can prove that I have for many years read and written one day with another from twelve to sixteen hours a day. As a human being I have not been free from follies and errors; but the tenor of my life has been temperate, laborious, humble, quiet, and to the utmost of my power, beneficent. I can prove the general tenor of my writings to be candid, and ever adapted to exhibit the most favourable views of the abilities, dispositions, and exertions of others. For the last ten months I have been brought to the very extremity of bodily and pecuniary distress. I shudder at the thoughts of perishing in a jail. 92 Chancery Lane, Feb. 2nd, 1807. (In confinement) Just two months later he was removed from Newgate to a hospital where he died on 13 April. Ted Cowan “I can prove that I have for many years read and written one day with another from twelve to sixteen hours a day.” weeks since a small work called the Comforts of Life, of which the first edition was sold in one week, and the second edition is now in rapid sale. In the newspapers – the Oracle, the Porcupine, when it existed, the General Evening Post, the Morning Post, the British Press, the Courier - I have published my reports of the debates in parliament, and I believe a greater number of fugitive pieces than I know to have been written by David Tallontire CHIMNEY SWEEP Covering the Glenkens & further afield 07709 144 299 - wood burners - mul�-fuel stoves - open fires - Agas - Rayburns - birds nest removal with CCTV inspec�on - cer�ficates issued - feel free to call for advice - Find me on Facebook Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 24 A SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR SPALDING Spalding Bowling Club held their presentation dinner at the Clachan Inn, Dalry. President Elizabeth Peacock presented the prizes at the annual dinner. The club would like to thank Phil and Laura and all the staff at the Clachan Inn for a delicious meal. Also a big thank you goes out to everyone at the club who have made this another successful season. Pictured: Back row, left to right - John Peacock, Ray Heard, Duncan Jordon, John McNally, George Dempster, Sharon Fishwick, Paul Nicolson, Val Russell, Colin Ramsay. Front row, left to right: Ladies’ Champion Kate Bone, Club President Elizabeth Peacock, Gents’ Champion Gordon McAdam. Val Russell Latest Fundraising Success Abbas Rest for SW Scotland RnR Coffee Mossdale man, Robin Hood, completed his latest fundraiser in aid of South West Scoltand RNR (SWSRnR). Robin towed Jock, a giant wooden statue of a soldier, for 342 miles. “To date over £10,000 has been raised, with money still coming in,” says Robin. “The money so far has been spent getting 36 veterans their HGV driving licences.” The training programme, run by SWSRnR, offers to fund a practical qualification for veterans, enabling them to return to work with key skills in a new field. There are not enough trained HGV drivers in the region, so it’s a great area to go into. The reason there are so few trained drivers is because it is very expensive to undergo the training, which is where SWSRnR is able to step in. Morning The Abbas Rest Coffee Morning was a great success once again. Thanks to all who supported and donated towards this event – without your help it would not happen. Avril Brown Glenkens Gazette page 25 Glenkens Gazette page 26 DECEMBER & JANUARY DECEMBER Sun 1, Community Christmas Concert, New Galloway Town Hall, see posters in shops for details Sun 1, Corsock Craft Fair, 11am-3pm, orsock Village Hall Mon 2, Dalry Police Station Drop-in, 6-7.30pm Fri 6, Dalry Primary School Christmas Fayre, 1.15-3pm, Dalry School Fri 6 at 7pm, Sat 7 at 7.30pm, Sun 8 at 3pm, CatStrand Youth Players Christmas Panto, CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 7 & Sun 15, Santa’s Grotto, 10am3pm, Kirroughtree Visitor Centre, see p18 Sat 7, Christmas Craft Fair, 11am-4pm, Mossdale Village Hall Sun 8, Christms Fayre, 11am-3pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Tue 10, Ukulele Christmas Party, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Wed 11, Dalry Film Club: The Green Book (12A), 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Thu 12, Tasting Evening, New Galloway Community Shop, see p13 Thu 12, CatStrand Youth Performers & Musicians Meeting, see p19 Fri 13, Sugar Revue Burlesque (18+), 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 14, Tabletop Sale, 1-3pm, Dalry Community Centre Sat 14, Glenkens Community Shop, Dalry, closes for refurb until spring Sat 14, GCT Bus Trip, see p25 Sat 14, Glenkens Farmers Market, 10am-12.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Sat 14, Dean Owens & The Southerners, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Sun 15, Glenkens Children’s Christmas Party, 3pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Tue 17, Great Composers: In Search Of Beethoven, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 21, Cairn Chorus: The Conversations of Sheep, 2pm, Crossmichael Parish Church Tue 31, Hogmanay Party, Balmaclellan Village Hall JANUARY Fri 3, Dalry Police Station Drop-in, 34.30pm Thu 9, Mid Winter Film Festival: Woman At War (12A) + Discussion Panel, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 11, Mid Winter Film Festival: Dirt Rd To Lafayette, 2pm, Crossmichael Church Hall Sat 11, Mid Winter Film Festival: The Man Who Wanted To Fly (12A), 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Sat 11, GCT Bus Trip, see p25 Sun 12, Mid Winter Film Festival: Gwen (15), 2pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Sun 12, Mid Winter Film Festival: Piano To Zanskar + Q&A, 7pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Fri 17, Carsphairn Burns Supper, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, see p17 Fri 17, Dark Sky Jazz: Wako, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 18, Family-Friendly Bingo, 4-6pm, New Galloway Town Hall Fri 24, Burns Night, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Sun 26, First Piano On The Moon, 2.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Fri 31, Newberry & Verch, 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall DALRY HOGMANAY CEILIDH Tuesday 31 December, 9pm to 1am, Dalry Town Hall Come and celebrate the New Year together! There will be a live band and pot luck finger buffet,(BYOB or bring refreshments over from local pubs and food to share, as well as your dancing shoes). Everyone welcome! Entry by suggested £5 donation at the door, children welcome and are free. LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS Glenkens Community Shop: Contact Shirley McNaught on 07955 743 022 or drop by the charity shop on Main Street, Dalry Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING): Contact Ros Hill on ros.hill@rathanhouse.co.uk Dalry Communities Properties Trust (DCPT): Contact Andi Holmes on andiholmes@hotmail.com or 07729 292 126 Dalry Town Hall: Contact Jim Reid on 01644 430231 or jamescreid@hotmail.co.uk New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE): Contact Sam Rushton on 07741 656601 or samCEW@newgallowaycommunity.shop or pop into New Galloway Community Shop Balmaclellan Community Trust: Contact Julia Higgins on julia.higgins55@outlook.com CatStrand: Contact Chris Jowsey at chris@catstrand.com 01644 420 374 or pop in to the CatStrand Schools: Pop into the school office or call Dalry Primary on 01644 430 105 (for Nursery/ELC too), Dalry Secondary on 01644 430 259 or Kells on 01644 420 340 Carsphairn Heritage Group: carsphairnheritagegroup@ gmail.com Bright Stars - Glenkens Community Nursery: Contact glenkenscommunitynursery@gmail.com Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP): Contact McNabb Laurie on mcnabb.laurie@dumgal.gov.uk If you would like to add your community organisation to this list please get in touch with the Gazette - contact details are on the back page. Glenkens Gazette page 27 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Film Makers’ Club, Mon 7-8.30pm Exercise to Music: Mon 9.3010.30am MMM Adult Colours & Dance: 2.30pm-3.30pm MMM Health, Play & Creative Movement: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time) 3.45-4.30pm MMM Children’s Grades & Youth Dance: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time) 4.30-5.30pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, 1st Tues of the month, 6-8pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab, Mon (term-time) 7-8.30pm, ages 12-18 Animation Club, Tues 4-6pm (starts 12 Feb then fortnightly) Gentle Tai Chi: Wed 10am Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed 2-3.30pm Game Tech, last Wed each month, 6-8pm Writers’ Cafe, 2nd Thurs each month 7-9pm Sing it Out, Thurs 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes, 1st & 3rd Thurs each month, 1–3.30pm Yoga, Tues 6.30-7.30pm & Thurs 9.15-10.45am Learn the Whistle, (starts 28 Feb; 8-week block. Ages 412 - 3.45-4.30pm; Age 12+ & Adults - 5-6.30pm). Contact chris@catstrand.com to find out more Zumba Gold, Fri (term-time) 9.3010.30am, CatStrand, 16+ Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry: Badminton, Mon 4-9pm & Sat 9am12noon, for info contact Kath on 07811 957 576 Bright Stars Nursery, Tues, Wed & Thurs 9am-3pm Brownies & Guides, Tues, Brownies 6-7.30pm & Guides 6-8.15pm Yoga, Wed 5.50-6.45pm, for info call Carylann on 07817 400 287 Brownies, Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts, Thurs 67pm for children, 7-9pm for adults New Galloway Town Hall: Glenkens Art Workshop, Mon 24pm during term-time LING Elevenses & Lunches, Tues 11am-2pm Fast Broadband Access, Tues 11am-2pm Skills for Life, get up to speed on current technology, Tues 2-4pm, for info call CD IT Centre on 01556 503 167 IT Drop-in Sessions, Tues 4.306.30pm throughout Jan and Feb. Covering topics such as support with benefits/job applications, building confidence with laptop/tablet/phone, all ages welcome. Table Tennis & Carpet Bowls, Tues 7-9pm Circuits, Tues 5.30-6.30pm Zumba, Wed 7.30-8.30pm, 11+ Circuits, Sat 8-9am Various Locations: Hatha Yoga, Mon 10-11.15am, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Carsphairn Post Office, Wed 1.15-3pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Dalry WI, 3rd Tues each month 2pm, Dalry Town Hall (except Jun, Jul & Aug) Beavers, Tues 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training, Tues & Thurs 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH TIMES CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sunday Services: Balmaclellan 10am: 1st. Carsphairn 11.15am: 1st,2nd, 3rd, 4th. Dalry 10am: 2nd, 4th. Kells 10am: 3rd. Kells 10am: 3rd. Special Services/Events: Family Service, 13 Oct, 10am, Dalry Church. Quiz Night, Fri 8 Nov, 7.30 pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Communion Service: 27 Oct, 10am, Dalry Church. 17 Nov, 11.15am, Carsphairn Church. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed. CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Kirkcudbright: Sun Mass, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sat Mass, 5pm. Mossdale Painters, Wed 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Chat, Cuppa & a Cake, Wed 10am2.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Community Choir, Wed 3.304.30pm, Dalry Secondary School Cub Scouts, Wed 6.45-8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Gentle Dru Yoga, Wed 7.30-9pm & Thu 12.30–2pm, Laurieston Village Hall, contact 450269 Youth Writing, 1st Thurs each month (during term time) 3.30-5pm, ages 10-15, Dalry Library Kettlebells, Balmaclellan Village Hall, Thurs 6-7pm Carsphairn SWI, 3rd Thurs of the month, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, for further info call Christine on 01644 460 577 Coffee & Craft, Fri 9am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Bridge Hotel Gentle Tai Chi, Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall Golf Junior Coaching, Sat 10-11: 30am, New Galloway Golf Course, see p8 Restoring Footpaths, Sat 10am1pm, phone 420 632 to confirm Junior Golf & Come-and-Try for all ages, New Galloway Golf Course, Sat 10am Yoga and Meditation Evening, every 3rd Sunday of the month, 7p9pm, Drumwhill, Mossdale. Contact Rachael 01644 450269 to book. Men’s Shed, Old Smiddy, Balmaclellan. Opening times: Mon 9.30am-4pm & 6.30-8.30pm; Wed 9.30am-1pm & woodcarving from 24pm; Fri 9.30am-12noon. Dalry Library Tuesdays 10.30am-2pm Fridays 11am-4.30pm For further informa�on contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette MORE THAN JUST FOOD FROM THE FOOD TRAIN As temperatures fall and seasons change there is one constant throughout the year; the familiar sight of Food Train delivery vans winding their way through the Glenkens. As a registered Scottish Charity which will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2020 there is, for some, confusion about what the organisation does. Some think that it is a sort of ‘food bank’ or mealson-wheels scheme. In fact, the Food Train’s purpose is to support older people to enable them to continue living in their own homes should they so wish. The charity’s core service, funded by Dumfries & Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership, is a grocery shopping and delivery service. Customers’ grocery orders are collected on a Monday and shopped and delivered on a Thursday in the Glenkens. Customers pay for their shopping on receipt, plus an additional £5 delivery charge. Some customers like to get out to the shops but appreciate the service for heavier items or for the winter months, while others rely on the service for all their shopping yearround. Shopping is done in the Coop, Tesco and Sunrise Wholefoods in Castle Douglas and can be delivered weekly, fortnightly, monthly or just occasionally. The charity offers other services ROWAN HOLIDAY COTTAGE too - Food Train ‘Extra’ is an odd jobs service where, for a small fee, volunteers are happy to change lightbulbs, defrost freezers, hang curtains or reset clocks, to name but a few of the jobs regularly done. There is also a befriending service to help combat social isolation and loneliness. This is funded by The Big Lottery and D&G Health and Social Care Partnership. There is a 1-2-1 home visit befriending service, and group outings to a variety of destinations. Popular trips have included Threave Gardens, Galloway Lodge and the Afternoon Film Club at CatStrand. From humble beginnings when in 1993 a group of socially-minded folk in Dumfries identified a Top: Food Train Friends outing to Threave Garden. Above: It takes a lot to stop the Food Train need for such a service, their dedicated team deliver in all weathers. the Food Train has gone from strength If you think you or someone to strength and, you know might need some after expanding across Dumfries assistance with grocery and Galloway, branched out yet shopping, odd jobs or just a further and now covers seven local friendly face to pop in now and authority areas over Scotland. Here again, call Stewartry Food Train in the Stewartry a small friendly on 01556 288 427. team of staff and volunteers are just a phone call away. GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway 4 Star Rated - Sleeps Six Dog friendly - Private Parking Secluded Garden FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL 07503 958 710 01644 420234 An ideal base for exploring Galloway... page 28 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk FEB/MAR COPY DEADLINE: 5 JAN ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.co.uk The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 115 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_115 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2019 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/260/GlenkensGazette114.pdf 409c9586d969dfbea928b20ebff500cc Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 114 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE News from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry October/November 2019 ISSUE 114 FREE 215-MILE ULTRA MARATHON PIT STOP IN DALRY For the second year running, GBUltras have chosen Dalry Town Hall as one of the rest points for their longest race – the Ultra Great Britain. This is a 215-mile ultra marathon from Portpatrick in the west to Cockburnspath in the east, following the Southern Upland Way (SUW). Competitors are allowed 100 hours for completion, with the men’s record currently at just under 66 hours and ladies’ at just under 84 hours. The 2019 race passed through Dalry on the weekend of 17 to 18 August, in dreadful weather, with many runners passing through the village at night with the aid of head torches. The rest of us can only imagine what conditions would be like in the pitch dark, in pelting rain, plodding through boggy ground over, say, the stretch of the SUW between Dalry and Sanquar. The course is not waymarked by the organisers and so the runners must find their own way, and some do occasionally stray off course. However, each runner carries a GPS transmitter and runners in serious problems can be reached by the GBUltras recovery team. The GPS trackers also allow interested watchers to follow the progress of the race over the internet. In the Town Hall the GBUltras support staff provided a rest point with hot food and a bag stop where competitors could have a change of gear – some reputedly use four or five pairs of running shoes to cover the distance. Most, though not all, competitors have support teams in the form of friends and family who follow them from point to point. However, the GBUltras team do not feed supporters but only competitors. This caused some enterprising local ladies to set up a pop-up café in Jayne’s hair salon half-way up Dalry’s Main Street, providing teas and home baking for supporters. This operated through Saturday evening and from 7am on Sunday. A goodly number of supporters Climbing Lowther Hill, Wanlockhead. availed themselves of the service, and it is hoped that with better advertising on social media for the 2020 race (8 and 9 August next year) they can attract more customers and extend the provision to more substantial fare for race supporters. Dalry has proven to be such a hit with ultra marathon organisers GBUltras that they plan to make the village the start point for two shorter races next year too, on 2 May 2020. Jim Reid LOCAL HISTORY GOES DIGITAL After only six months of work Carsphairn Heritage Group (CHG) have completed Phase 1 of their ambitious plan to digitise their entire archive of local photographs, documents and artefacts, finishing well ahead of schedule. Carsphairn Heritage & Craft Centre welcomed visitors for Worldwide Spin in Public Day. But now they need more hands on deck to move forward with the project and to allow the group to step into the bright new future which awaits. Work began in February 2019 to quantify the collection and, to date, over 1,500 items have been uploaded and are available to view at www.carsphairn.org/ CarsphairnArchive Karen Hall, chair of CHG, said: "Carsphairn Heritage Group has been A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve running for over 30 years, which is a fantastic achievement. Looking to the future and the next 30 years, we felt it had come to a point where it needed to evolve to stay alive." The group held their first DigiDay in March 2019, which saw nine volunteers scanning their way through over 600 photographs before being treated to a delicious lunch supplied by Carsphairn Tearooms. Phase 2 of the project is due to start this autumn, recording the remainder of the archive, and CHG will be hosting another DigiDay on Wednesday 30 October. If you would like to come along and help out, the event will run from 10am to 3pm at the Carsphairn Heritage & Craft Centre. Also, the group holds its AGM on Saturday 16 November at 3pm in Lagwyne Hall and is keen for anyone interested to come along, get involved and hear all about the proposed plans for the future. For further info contact Karen Hall at carsphairnheritagegroup@gmail.com Continued on p6... www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 LOCAL PRODUCE AT ITS BEST The Glenkens Farmers Market takes place on the second Saturday each month from 10am to 12 noon, welcoming folk from far and wide. The market has been running in Dalry Town Hall for over twelve years, and has a wide variety of local produce, both from within the Glenkens and further afield in Dumfries & Galloway. One of the many regulars at the market is The Little Bakery from Dumfries, whose beautiful loaves of butter-yellow corn bread seem to drum-up regular buyers at a fair rate with people snapping up six to a dozen at a time! But you need to get there first thing when the doors open if you want some... Aside from the illustrious corn bread there are beautifully crafted cakes by Liz Brannock from the Kenmure Arms Hotel in New Galloway, a variety of meats and pies from Carson’s butchers, which are also available to buy cooked up there and At the time of going to press Glenkens Food Month has got off to a flying start. The Pot Luck Suppers at New Galloway and Dalry town halls were great and the food was excellent. Those who went to the BBQ at The Clachan on Saturday 7 September were treated to the additional bonus of the Tour of Britain flying past – front row seats and a burger, it doesn’t get better than that! Eight intrepid junior anglers joined the New Galloway Angling Association for some top-class coaching in coarse then in a freshly baked Little Bakery roll. The Solway Smokehouse provides a range of delicious smoked products from fish to meats, cheeses to garlic. Mouth-watering artisan cheeses can be purchased from Cows & Co, ranging from mature to mild including blue cheese, cheddar and ripe brie in pots ready for baking. Other stalls offer fine homemade pickles and jams, free range eggs, local honey and fresh locally grown vegetables straight from the garden. A staple of a good farmers market is, of course, the samples so you can browse the wares, tasting them all before you choose your favourites to buy and take home with you. There is a plant stall offering a display of pot-grown plants and flowers in prime condition to take home for the garden, and a custom-made card stall where cards can be created to order for any occassion. For those with a sweet tooth there is a chocolate stall with tempting treats crafted by In-House of Castle Douglas, and for those in need of a good book there is plenty of time to browse the secondhand book stall, which also offers DVDs. Perhaps the key feature which is especially appealing to visitors at the Glenkens Farmers Market is the opportunity to sit down in an unhurried atmosphere and enjoy a cuppa and some home baking while deliberating your purchases. Many locals and not-so-locals make a point of meeting here to catch up on news once a month. Some of the tables at the farmers’ market. fishing and were then treated to a loch-side cook-up of home made fishfingers by local food business Love To Eat. The end of a busy weekend was marked by apple-pressing up at the Garroch walled gardens, run by the Galloway Glens Love Our Fruit & Nuts project. The busy programme culminates with a Ceilidh at Balmaclellan Village Hall on 28 September - tickets are £7 from the CatStrand, and include supper from local-produce specialist Braising Jack’s and music is by the fantastic Shore Road Band; a great evening for all the family. Galloway Community Transport to Balmaclellan from around the area may be available – check in at the CatStrand for details. Thanks to our sponsors, ConnectLocal and Galloway Glens, for their support in allowing us to offer most of these events for free. Thanks also to the many local businesses and organisations from all around the Glenkens who have joined in with us to make it such a success. The whole month has been an opportunity to showcase the amazing food and drink producers and businesses that exist in our region, and we do hope you enjoyed it! Sam Rushton, Community Engagement Worker, New Galloway Community Shop & Enterprises Apple pressing at the Garroch. Glenkens Gazette page 3 NEW GALLOWAY FIRE STATION New Galloway fire station is situated at Mill Isle, on the outer edge of the village heading along the Queen’s Way towards Newton Stewart. The original fire station was built in the 1930s on Duke Street, but was relocated in 1996. The current station has an operational capacity for 10 firefighters and the personnel operate an ‘on call’ system which is also known as the ‘retained duty system’ (RDS) on behalf of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). With this system crew members respond via pager from their home or place of work, and manage their on-call hours to suit their lifestyle. Over the years the role of the firefighter has changed significantly. In the early days a firefighter would attend a weekly training session, check the equipment and see to any fires in the locality. The role of the firefighter today is very different. One of the key elements provided by the SFRS now is a proactive rather than reactive stance towards fire safety. We focus on preventive interaction and working with other partners such as the NHS, social services, care call, and communitybased care groups; keeping people safe in their own homes is very much the ethos of what the service aims to achieve. Crew members at New Galloway regularly carry out home fire safety visits, and through these visits we get to know our community and are able, when necessary, to make referals to other agency partners to meet a need for an individual through our internal referral system. For example, we can liase with our partners to arrange for hearing or visual aids for people within their home to improve the safety and quality of their lifestyle, or to assist with replacing their old open chip pan or out of date electric blanket with more up to date items. Nowadays the modern firefighter will not only deal with fires but also attend road traffic collisions, flooding, water rescues, animal rescues, wildfire incidents, medical responses, gain entry for ambulance crews, CPR training to community groups, and attend schools to deliver safety campaigns. The Tale o’ the Twa Jakes JAKE McGAW: Jake McGaw is the current officer in charge of New Galloway fire station, and has worked at the station for 41 years. Also a local postman for many years, Jake is a real pillar of the community who goes above and beyond in all his duties, always with a cheerful smile and a joke to hand. When asked how he was recruited, Jake says it was very informal. He was on Duke Street, where the fire station was then located, when he was ‘collared’ one day by the fire station sub-officer at that time who asked him to pop along to the station on their next training night to have a look at the equipment. By the following week he was sitting down for an interview, and started with immediate effect. Training was given on the job and a ‘breathing apparatus’ course followed. Jake gets enormous pride from knowing the New Galloway crew are an integral part of the community in Glenkens, and what a difference they have made and continue to make to people’s lives. When asking Jake about advice he would offer to anyone interested in joining the Scottish Fire Rescue Service, his answer is to just pop along any Tuesday to meet the crew and ask questions, as well as have a look round the fire station - like Jake, perhaps you’ll find yourself still there 41 years later! Jake says: “The job never gets boring and that’s what makes it worthwhile, knowing you’re helping someone in your community. Although some of the incidents we respond to can be serious, the appreciation we receive from the public makes it all worthwhile. “Working with a team of people who are passionate about helping others is a fantastic experience. We all like to have a laugh together; overall it’s a really rewarding job.” JAKE McMILLAN: Jake McMillan is New Galloway’s most recent recruit, and has been with the service now for five months. Young Jake, as he has become known, knew some of the crew and always had an interest in joining the fire service. Jake feels the training given has been great, with a huge focus on teamwork and how everyone helps each other. Jake says: “It was amazing to pull on the fire kit and get hands-on learning new skills. I can’t wait to extend my knowledge and expertise in this new role. SFRS is all about teamwork, and the firefighters at the station are fantastic and make you feel right at home, and are helpful when learning something you haven’t done before. The crew are among the best people I have ever met, and I know I can rely on them under any circumstances.” Jake feels a great sense of pride when he pulls on the uniform knowing he is part of a crew putting something back into his own community. Despite the difference in years in the job, both Jakes say they would recommend it to anyone, and both agree that the job is an excellent way to learn new skills and positively impact on the lives of the people in your community. New Galloway fire station are currently looking for more members of the local community to join the crew and become SFRS On Call Firefighters. With more folk on board, the vital role New Galloway fire station plays in protecting and supporting the Glenkens communities will be ensured into the future. You can pop along any Tuesday night from 7pm to find out more, or contact Stuart Dalrymple on 07971 138 154 or stuart.dalrym ple@firescotland.gov.uk And you don’t have to be called Jake to apply...! Stuart Dalrymple, Rural RDS Support Watch Manager for the Stewartry Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk FREE Trampoline. Contact: 01644 430 380. 2 X Sky+ HD remotes; as new Quad LNB for satellite dish (not Sky Q); Freesat box with remote and manual – can also be used as recorder; working Sky+ box (not HD) – no remote (£7.99 on eBay). Contact: Paul on 01644 430 062 slimline, with some decorations, 4/ 5 years old. Contact: 460518 Two large shopping bags of knitting magazines, lots of Alan Dart patterns in them. Free to good home. Contact: 01644 420 642 SALE ĀȀ̀ЀԀ‫ ؀‬FOR Amplifier, spider line 6, vgc £60. Contact: 07799 791 509 ‫଀਀ऀऀࠀ܀‬ఀഀԀ‫؀‬ Artificial Christmas tree, 6'5" tall 400 or so Vellum ‘SecureSeal’ ‫܀‬฀ࠀఀЀ‫؀‬ Dalry Community Choir DL envelopes, 110mm x 220mm, £10. Contact: Ruth on 01644 460 516 Bitesse inversion cable (reduces back pain), good condition, R930 proform tread mill, rowing machine, any reasonalbe offer. Can be seen at the Scout Hall, New Galloway. Contact: Heather on 01644 420 375 Small wooden rocking horse, vgc £60. Contact: 07799 791 509 Community Spirit Dear Gazette, I was surprised and warmed recently to see a young man cleaning the moss out of the cobbles at the fountain in Dalry. The flowers freely provided by Jane Trueman are a truly magnificent display, but the hard standing itself is not as well looked after by DGC. ĀȀ̀ЀȀԀ̀‫܀؀‬Ԁࠀऀ਀ऀ଀ఀഀ਀ऀ଀ࠀ ฀‫؀‬ༀက‫ࠀ܀‬ᄀȀሀጀЀ̀‫؀‬က‫ࠀ܀‬ᄀሀ᐀ጀጀༀࠀ ᔀᄀᘀ‫؀‬ကᘀᜀЀ᠀ࠀĀȀ̀Ԁࠀഀᘀ᐀ࠀᄀȀᤀᘀȀᨀᬀȀကࠀᰀ଀ᴀḀἀ‫؀‬ ጀကࠀ!"ကᘀ᐀ȀကࠀᜀЀ!ጀࠀሀጀЀᘀ‫؀‬ሀᘀࠀ ᄀ"Ȁࠀᄀᘀ਀ࠀ#ጀԀȀᤀ᐀ࠀ᠀$଀%Ԁᘀ&ጀԀȀᤀ᐀Ԁ"Ȁ'Ȁ‫"̀਀؀‬ᨀ᠀‫؀‬ༀ਀Ԁሀ᐀਀"(ࠀ ᄀሀ᐀ጀጀༀࠀ)!!ᜀሀȀࠀ଀ᴀ*ഀഀࠀഀऀ଀ᰀ+Ḁࠀ ᠀$଀%ጀ!!ᜀሀȀ̀‫؀‬ༀက‫'܀‬Ȁ‫"̀਀؀‬ᨀ᠀‫؀‬ༀ਀Ԁሀ᐀਀"(ࠀ Some of the entries for the Industrial Section at the 2019 Carsphairn Show. Photograph contributed by Louise McClure, Dalmellington. I stopped to speak to him, wondering if he was on some Community Payback Order or similar, but no, he was just doing it because he thought it needed doing. Such selfless action needs recognising and promoting in my opinion. I only wish I had been that thoughtful and community minded when I was his age, perhaps there is hope for the future? Andi Holmes * SAVE THE DATE * Sunday 1st December Once again the New Galloway Celebratory Events committee are planning a community Christmas concert in New Galloway Town Hall. The concert will be followed by a piper leading us all down to the CatStrand for mulled wine and the switch on of the Christmas lights. Watch out for details nearer the time. Gordon McAdam New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Plumbing & Heating HOUSE REPAIRS JOINERY 22 Kirkland Street St John‛s Town of Dalry Semi-retired Furniture Maker & Builder in GLENKENS AREA 01644 430 393 07834 321 789 Call Pete on 07970 462 088 ...special rates for inclusion of tea, cake and friendly banter... Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by Impacts of Acidification on Brown Trout Populations in SW Scotland A paper has just been published in the leading peer-reviewed Journal of Fish Biology looking at the current numbers and genetic diversity of brown trout populations in Southwest Scotland. The study was carried out by a team from the School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University, Belfast, led by professor Paulo Prodöhl and professor emeritus Andy Ferguson, who now lives in the area. It also involved renowned local fish artist Robin Ade and many expert anglers, especially Colin and Margaret Roberts. Marine Scotland, Freshwater Laboratory, provided reference material from the detailed surveys that they carried out in the area in the 1980s and 1990s. The study examined more than 2400 brown trout specimens from 23 lochs and six of the larger river systems, mainly in the Galloway Forest Park and adjacent Forrest Estate. Trout fin clips were taken for detailed DNA analyses, with the resultant data being analysed by modern statistical methods. Southwest Scotland was one of the areas worst affected by acidification in the latter part of the 20th Century. By the 1970s five brown trout populations were thought to have become extinct as no trout were caught in netting surveys, and numbers were shown to be considerably reduced in many others. Following reductions in sulphur and nitrogen industrial emissions in the 1980s the pH increased again suggesting that the lochs might once more be capable of supporting trout populations. Restoration stocking was carried out in these lochs since natural recolonisation could not occur due to impassable waterfalls. One of the lochs, Loch Fleet, was the subject of major international investigations of the feasibility of reducing acidity through liming prior to restoration stocking. All five lochs, although still chronically acidic, now have substantial self-sustaining populations. All other THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY � 01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS � lochs examined in the area also now have flourishing brown trout populations with angler catch rates ranging from 1 to 20 trout per hour, with, as expected, size being inversely proportional to catch rate. Specific details of the key findings and conclusions can be accessed at www.qub.ac.uk/Research/GRI/ TheInstituteforGlobalFoodSecur ity/institute-for-global-securitynews/Trackingthegenesofbrowntroutpopulations.html Photographs: Left - Robin Ade fishing Loch Dungeon. Top - Robin Ade’s illustration of Galloway brown trout variability. Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 6 Funding Process Update David Tallontire Our communities have been busy over the summer preparing applications to the Blackcraig Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund. The closing date for applications was 23 August and we are pleased to report that a large number of applications have been received for a range of different purposes. There is around £213,000 available for distribution in this first round and the applications total up to substantially more than that. There is now work to be done to assess the applications and then for the Glenkens & District Trust (GDT) to make decisions on how the money is used. Foundation Scotland is administering the fund and the first step is for them to ensure that each application is eligible. Once they are satisfied on that, their team of assessors will review the applications and produce a report on each and every one. During this process they will contact the named applicant for further detail or clarification to ensure that when the application is presented to GDT it has the fullest information necessary to inform their decision-making. GDT will consider each of the reports and, in a series of meetings in October, decide on how the money should be allocated to best meet the priorities of the fund as set out in the fund strategy. As previously reported, our wider community has waited a number of years for these monies to be available and there is considerable pent-up demand for awards. Therefore, the fact that there are a large number of applications is not a surprise but it will mean that difficult decisions will need to be made by GDT. In addition, this is the first round of awards that GDT has done so it has no previous history to draw on. However, the trustees have agreed that the funds should be allocated based on the merits of the applications and aligned with the published fund strategy. It is inevitable, in view of the number of applications, that some applicants will be delighted while some will be very disappointed. The trustees are committed to being fair and transparent around the decisions they make and are currently working together and with Foundation Scotland to ensure that they do the best job possible. They will also ensure that feedback is given on the reason for their decisions and will publish a full list of awards in due course. Fiona Smith, chairman, GDT Continued from front page... Karen Hall, chair of the heritage group, said: “We are very grateful to the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership for their support, to Carsphairn Community Council who host the website where you can find the archive, and to Carsphairn Renewable Energy Fund Ltd (CREFL) for funding the running costs of the heritage centre during this process. I’d also like to thank our dedicated team of volunteers for all their efforts to date. We’d also be delighted to hear from new volunteers." The group is keen to let people know they would love to have new members on board, and anyone with an interest in local history is very welcome to get in touch or attend the AGM on 16 November - annual membership is only £1. More members are very much needed in order for the group to be able to continue, and there are exciting times ahead – a key issue for discussion at the meeting is whether the group should purchase the building, which was purpose-built for the Carsphairn Heritage Group 30 years ago. This would mean that necessary modernisation could be CHIMNEY SWEEP Covering the Glenkens & further afield 07709 144 299 - wood burners - mul�-fuel stoves - open fires - Agas - Rayburns - birds nest removal with CCTV inspec�on - cer�ficates issued - feel free to call for advice - Find me on Facebook LING Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) has just received the final report from the Creetown Initiative. The report is on the viability of taking over the ownership of New Galloway Town Hall or a long term lease. We will be looking carefully at this over the next few weeks to decide on the next stages. More Hands on Deck for Carsphairn Heritage Group undertaken to allow the building to offer visitors and users a more attractive and versatile setting, hopefully ensuring it will continue to be an asset to the community over the next 30 years. The building is currently owned by the regional council who don’t have the resources to put into non-essential improvemements. To be involved in these discussions, to join the group, or to find out more visit www.carsphairn.org/ heritagegroup or email carsphairnher itagegroup@gmail.com or go along to the AGM. Glenkens Gazette page 7 My First Year of Retirement... I thought I knew exactly what I would do when I came to retire. Sort the garden, jobs around the house, travel more, that sort of thing; but it didn’t turn out that way. Being well aware of the disproportionate number of men who die within a year or so of retiring, often on the golf course, I had no intention of joining them. So I decided that I needed to keep fit(ish!) and, more importantly, to gain a new role or purpose in life. Before I knew it new jobs, opportunities and responsibilities started arriving. A few of the things which have fallen on my plate so are are: - Joining the University of the Third Age (U3A) and attending monthly meetings, plus local history and family history groups. - Joining a writing group and beginning to write short stories, poetry and more articles. - Driving the Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) minibuses, and driving for the Patient Transport Scheme. - Undertaking various reading, research and studying. I know some people participate in local groups such as the Men’s Shed, or take up gardening, painting or playing a musical instrument in retirement. Many others volunteer for all sorts of things; helping in local schools, charity shops, CatStrand and many other areas that most would never think about such as cutting grass around benches, helping neighbours and picking up litter around the village. I never fancied calling myself a retired army officer or retired ICT consultant, that seems just to look backwards at something that has ended. Instead, if I meet someone and they ask what I do, I reply… “I’m a writer, local historian and grandfather!” Who will you be when you retire..? Paul Goodwin Kindling available Electric heating finally comes of age - for less cost than a HEATING SOLUTIONS standard wet system! Uniquely awarded the NF+++, Europe’s highest efficiency and manufacturing accreditation. Based in the Glenkens AAA rated. • Ground-breaking technology - systems that know when you are in or out, and adjust energy use accordingly - they even check the weather! • TPI and V27 self-learning technology to detect, analyse and adapt to the user’s lifestyle. • Intelligent, interactive Wi-Fi. • Separate programme timing and temperature control for each individual room. If you would like further information, please call 0800 171 2942 or visit www.precisehs.co.uk GLENKENS ROUTE Thursdays: 12noon-1pm – Crossmichael 1-2pm – Parton/Loch Ken Holiday Park 2-4pm – Balmaclellan area 4-5.30pm – The Hidden Road Fridays: 8-10.30am – Dalry 10.30-11am – Glenlee Area 11am – New Galloway 12noon – New Galloway Shop 2pm – Mossdale area 3-4pm – Laurieston to Gatehouse Please note that all times are approximate. 07966 103 912 Precise Heating Solutions Ltd registered in Scotland No. SC606152 charliecoid@hotmail.com Fleet Fish aims to provide top quality produce which is sourced as locally as possible. We take pride in offering friendly door-to-door service tailored to our customers’ needs. Glenkens Gazette Return of the MUGA Dalry Community Properties Trust (DCPT) has applied to take possession from D&G Council of the Multiple Use Games Area (MUGA) adjacent to Dalry School. Unused for a number of years, the plan is to secure funding and refurbish the facility so that it can reopen by the end of 2020. The facility will be made available to individuals and groups from the Glenkens area thoughout the year, and the school will make use of it during term time. A range of sporting and social activities will be on offer, including netball, basketball, five-a-side football, tennis, hockey and volleyball. Floodlights mean that the space can be used up to 10pm in the evenings and throughout those dark winter afternoons. It is hoped that the relaunch will coincide with a five-a side football tournament open to all age groups. Any individuals or groups who wish to make further enquiries or be kept in the loop should contact Gary Blissett on 01644 430 521 or garyblissett51@gmail.com As part of the acquisition process, community feedback is very important as well as being helpful in long-term planning. With this in mind, I would encourage anyone with an interest in this project to get in touch and leave comments and suggestions. It is worth noting that there other sporting facilities currently available in the village include outdoor bowls at Spalding Bowling Club, badminton, table tennis and martial arts at the Community Centre (also owned by the DCPT) and snooker at the Serviceman’s Hut (wee wooden hut on the corner of Kirkland St). So dust off those old trainers, dig out the rackets and be prepared to give it a go! Our slogan for 2020 is: Our MUGA Makes Us Get Active Gary Blissett, Vice Chairman, DCPT ULTRASOUND PREGNANCY SCANNING ����������������� �������������������������������� ��������������������������������� ��������������������� ����������������������������� For bookings and info: Duncan Kennedy 07860 474001 dk@passcan.co.uk www.passcan.co.uk page 8 This year’s Tour of Britain cycle race passing through Dalry. In this photograph, taken by Andrew Mellor, cyclists are powering down the Main Street. Can you spot something odd about the cyclist second from the front? Glenkens Gazette page 9 CatStrand Highlights Autumn arrives in the Glenkens bringing with it darker nights and blustery weather - an invitation to settle in and gather together. Our Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) arts programme offers plenty of opportunity to come in from the cold and brighten up these long evenings ahead of us. Warming up with laughs from comedian Patrick Monahan (Friday 5 October), the return of our lunchtime theatre events (Thurs 10 Oct & Thurs 16 Oct) and a chance to catch the R&B, electronic, folk melding of local lads VanIves (Fri 11 Oct) following success on BBC Radio Scotland and Celtic Connections this year. Climate change takes centre stage with a series of events running throughout our autumn/winter season. In a new partnership with the Stewartry Climate Group, we aim to make environmental conversations accessible and hopeful with some fantastic international film on offer Youth Players Panto This year’s CatStrand Youth Players pantomime is the latest script from their favourite panto author Paul Reakes, and Beau Jest is certainly a script with a difference. The story is loosely based (as the spelling would suggest) on the famous book ‘Beau Geste’ by PC Wren and the classic film starring Gary Cooper; a thrilling adventure yarn with plenty of laughter and interesting characters along the way. The panto will be on stage on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 December at 7.30pm, with a matinee on Sunday 8 at 3pm. Please book your tickets early as the panto always sells out. (Cloudforest 12 Nov & Woman at War 9 Jan) teamed with local panel discussions. Acts from Nordic and British folk scenes bring an eclectic range of contemporary folk music to CatStrand. From the Swedish polska and Norwegian heavy metal inspired Elmøe & Hoffman (Thur 14 Nov) to the pairing together of celebrated folk musicians in new duos Nancy Kerr & Luke Daniels (Sun 17 Nov) and Rankin & Robertson (Sat 23 Nov). All individually revered for their musical talents. Our community venues continue their live event programmes with a Wee Book Hoose event in Crossmichael church featuring a winter concert from Cairn Chorus (Sat 21 Dec) with tea and mince pies in the church hall. Dalry have programmed a night of folk bluegrass and old time americana with banjo, fiddle and stepdance duo Newberry & Verch (Fri 31 Jan) followed by a step dance workshop the next morning. A new range of arts programme workshops offer an affordable chance to learn a new craft or skill working with local artists and crafters. Try your hand at jewellery making with Eaten at the CatStrand Eaten by Mamoru Iriguchi was a theatre performance aimed at children which came to the CatStrand. Patrick Monahan Emerge artist Sarah Rogers (Sat 16 Nov) or find out more about the music industry in rural Scotland with Robert Shields (ONR) as part of a Holywood Trust funded workshop running across D&G (Wed 2 Oct). For tickets or further information visit www.catstrand.com or call 01644 420 374. Below Mamoru tells us a bit about it... What inspired you to create this show? “When I studied zoology, I was always curious how animals accept to be eaten within the food chain. I am also concerned that we (humans) often do not know ingredients of our food.” What is the message of the show? “It is a fun show but there are a Audience members Laya and Finn with few messages too. The most important Lionel the Lion and Mamoru from Eaten. one is ‘know what you are eating’. Sometimes we don’t even know the ingredients in our meals!” Young attendees at the CatStrand performance, Laya and Finn, said: “It made me think whatever you dream may come true - Lionel the Lion dreamed about being a vegetarian, and he found out he does have nice things inside him. And he dreamed about being eaten, and he was eaten. It also made me think that we’re made up of our food,” and; “You are what you eat!” Helen, a parent from the audience, commented: “The show was entertaining, unexpected and at times surreal. There was a clear (and accurate) scientific message wrapped up in the poo and digestion-based story-line, so while the children may have come away boggled, they were certainly entertained and may well have also learned something useful about how their bodies work!” If you would like to feed back your comments on the show, or find out more, you can visit Lionel McLion on Facebook or Twitter. Glenkens Gazette page 10 Dalry Film Club's Winter Season Last year the Film Club at Dalry Town Hall improved its offering to customers by introducing personal headsets to improve sound perception. These sets take a stereo feed transmitted by radio signal taken from the DVD player and so cut out extraneous noise, and can be provided on request at the pay desk. For this year we are able to announce that we have installed a hearing loop into the hall for film goers who have a hearing aid with a “T” setting. Again, this takes its feed from the DVD player. The installation has been generously financed by Film Hub Scotland through Driftwood Cinema and installed by South West Audio. Driftwood has been instrumental in assisting the spread of community cinema through southwest Scotland and has supported Dalry Film Club since the start. Up till now the film shows provided by Dalry Film Club have been fully open to the public on payment at the door. We have recently taken out a licence that allows what are effectively private film events on a membership basis, to show films from the licence provider’s distribution list. So you can show one of your favourite films to a group of friends on the big screen or organise a party in the hall with a film as the feature. For further information on this facility contact Jim Reid on 01644 430 231. Having opened the season in September with Bohemian Rhapsody and Stan and Ollie, Dalry Film Club has an equally strong programme for the rest of the season. October opens with Wild Rose on 9 October. This tells the story of Glaswegian RoseLynn who is just out of prison and with two young children she hardly knows. She longs for fame as a country singer in Nashville. We finish the month with Fisherman’s Friends on 23 October, a comedy about a group of sea-shanty singers finding unexpected fame. In November we mark the Armistice THE GARDEN SPOT The swallows have long flown south for the winter, and now is the time that I think is the end of one gardening year and the beginning of the next. No two years are ever the same and the season now finished certainly had its challenges: blight on potatoes, late frost which spoiled early plantings, crows destroying my apple crops and those pesky rabbits! After losing the first two plantings, my first runner beans weren’t available until after the Glenkens show. Of course, there were successes: salad potatoes cropped well and survived the blight, many of the ornamentals (especially dahlias and fuchsias) are the best they have ever been and the garlic crop was superb… speaking of which… Now is the perfect time to plant garlic for next season. Blackbirds have a habit of pulling them up so either net them against birds or plant them a little deeper so the birds don’t see them until their roots are established. Not much else to do in the veg plot except continue to pick and preserve the late crops. When the leaves fall from the fruit trees, clear them away and burn or take to the recycling centre (don’t add to the compost heap as you will just be saving infected material), likewise potato shaws and tomato plants, the dead material will all have blight so burn or get rid. If you want to make life a little more pleasant, keep an eye out for the first frost and get into the garden a day or two before, cut your dahlias and hostas to the ground and add it all to the compost heap. Much easier this way than trying to deal with the mush that the frost will make of it. Now, while the memory is fresh, be honest. Isn’t there the odd plant that has not done well for a couple of years? by showing Journey’s End on 13 November. This is in no sense a glorification of combat, but largely confines itself to the inter-personal tensions and claustrophobia of the officers’ dugout as they await the final German push in March 1918. On 11 December we show Green Book, the winner of a number of awards including Best Picture at this year’s Oscars. This tells the tale of two very different people confronting their differences of race and character during a tour of the American South in the 1960s. As part of the Catstrand Midwinter Festival we present The Man Who Wanted to Fly on 11 January. This is a heart-warming documentary about an elderly Irishman who so wants to take off that he buys his own microlight and builds his runway to suit. The British Film Institute supports community cinemas with a programme of films around a topic. This year the topic is Musicals. We are showing Cabaret on 26 January as a glamourous (if a little seedy) finale to the Autumn/Winter season at the Town Hall. Jim Reid Perhaps an apple tree with bad canker, a shrub that doesn’t flower well or a dahlia that has overgrown the space. Be ruthless and have them out now, you will be grateful next year as you will have space for new introductions. Finally, if you haven’t already done so, get your pots and tubs sorted for winter and spring, get the bulbs planted straight away – except for tulips, leave planting those until November as it helps prevent tulip fire. New bulbs will always perform better than ones you saved, so go on, splash out. The Intrepid Gardener Some of this season’s successes. Glenkens Gazette page 11 Glenkens Gazette page 12 Crossmichael Heritage Centre September saw the formal launch of the Crossmichael Heritage Centre & Living History project. This community-led project sought to highlight the amazing history of Crossmichael parish using interpretation in the Church Hall and recently acquired Hearse House. More than 50 people were there to witness local history experts Professor Ted Cowan and Dr Lizanne Henderson cut the ribbons to commemorate the formal opening of the facilities. As well as getting a tour round the buildings, activities available included rope tying and graveyard tours. The project was jointly funded by the Galloway Glens Scheme and LEADER. The Hearse House is now Dr Lizanne Henderson cuts Hearse House ribbon. open every day during daylight hours and is located next to the church. Nick Chisholm, Galloway Glens Project Officer, in attendance at the event, said: “This remarkable project is as a result of the hard work of a number of individuals, but particular mention needs to go to John Nelson, Richard Middleton and Lindsey Smith who have worked tirelessly to get everything ready. There is a huge amount of hidden history in all our communities, but it takes the dedication of key individuals to bring it to life. On the opening day we were also reminded that this local history is an important part of the cultural tourism offer that Dumfries and Galloway can be proud of. Well done Crossmichael!” The 51st Annual Carsphairn Burns Supper Celebration Friday 17th January 2020 Lagwyne Hall Carsphairn 7pm for 7.30pm Price £15, seats must be reserved in advance by emailing lindsayduncan23@hotmail.co.uk or phoning Davey on 07710 124255 Speakers & artists to be announced Catering by Ayrshire Catering Early booking is recommended as 2019 event was over subscribed Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 13 K Crossing Words Deugh – Ken – Dee In the previous issue we featured the crossing point over the Ken at the Ken Bridge Hotel. This inspired some varied pieces of writing: Haiku three graceful arches spanning over the river can't resist the view by Jack Howard The first time I saw the bridge over the Ken we were on holiday from Essex nearly 30 years ago. Myself, Roy and the kids with the trailer tent on the back of the car on our way to Glen Trool. We came down from Balmaclellan and I saw it and I caught my breath. It was beautiful, but why was it familiar? Its elegant arches, the sweeping curve of the parapet. Gradually I made the link to stately homes where bridges such as this grace the grounds over ornamental waterways. And there it was, crossing the Ken for us all to enjoy. A very few years later we were living up the road in New Galloway and I was so pleased we were close to this beautiful bridge. by Sally Hooker Dear Buddie, I was very interested to read of your walk in the previous Gazette. I myself have had many a romp across the Ken Bridge. I especially like venturing down to the river and sniffing all the long grass at the water’s edge – although I keep well back, I’m not as adventurous as I once was. Jasmine, who holds my lead, tells me that there used to be cows crossing the river here, but I don’t believe this – I have never seen a cow wearing flippers, have you? by a wee white dog called Olive NEXT ISSUE… we are seeking writing inspired by the bridge over the Dee at Kirkcudbright (thanks to John Smith for this atmospheric portrait, left). Described (a wee bit unfairly?) as a ‘[f]ive-span bow-truss concrete bridge with no pretension to prettiness’ (J. Gifford, 1996). The current bridge was completed in 1926, replacing the earlier bridge which had been in place since 1868. Prior to the bridge, the river was crossed via ferry. There was also a ford a little further down-river (as can be seen on the map). Your writing (max. 200 words) can be imaginative or prompted by real events or experiences. Please send your writing to me, Laura, by email: laura.kenwords@gmail.com or post c/o CatStrand by 27 October. A selection of responses will be printed in the next issue and all submissions will be kept for possible future publication. Ken Words is a community writing project supported by Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership, Creative Scotland, and GCAT. If you would like to find out more about Ken Words’ activities, please contact Jane McBeth on jane.kenwords@gmail.com or 01644 420374. Glenkens Gazette page 14 GLENKENS FLOWER SHOW This year’s Glenkens Flower Show was well attended by all ages. A late season meant that many potential exhibits such as runner beans and sweet corn were not ready on the day and a wet season caused potato blight to spoil others. There were a number of queries regarding was grown and how to exhibit, so hopefully we will have a few new faces competing in next year’s show. Special mention must be made of Hilda McAdam who was given a presentation on retiring as the show co-ordinator. She has been doing this job for a remarkable sixty years! Mention was also made of several other roles she has held around the village over the years. At the time of writing, we are yet to hear who will take up the baton for next year’s show. Paul Show Entries Doubled for 2019 This year’s show was held at Newfield Farm, Dalry, by kind permission of the Maxwell Family. The wet weather in the days leading up to show day looked set to cancel it, but credit to the committee who worked hard to get it up and running. Entries were almost double last year’s, and a highlight of the day was the Bluefaced Leicester sheep section - there were 70 animals forward making it one of Scotland’s largest shows for blues. Once all the sections were judged it came down to the Champion of Champions. This year’s judge was James Edgar who knew his surroundings very well having farmed Newfield until recently. He found Sheep judging at the Glenkens Show © Andrew Best. his champion in the Galloway in calf Heifer exhibited by local breeders John and Anne Finlay, Blackcraig, Corsock. Blackcraig Blondchen was female champion at this year’s Royal Highland Show and also won her class at the Stewartry and Dumfries shows. This concludes a very successful year for the family who have also won three consecutive breed championships with three different animals. Taking the reserve ticket was the Clydesdale filly exhibited by Colleen Marshall. Fresh from her win at last week’s Bute Show and adding to her success at Dumfries, Wigtown and Biggar Shows. The Glenkens Show committee would like to thank everyone involved for all their hard work in preparation for this year’s show. Glenkens Gazette Concert Raises Brass for Church Funds The rafters in Carsphairn Church rang out to the sound of music when Kilmarnock Concert Brass performed a summer concert at the end of August in aid of church funds. page 15 The band, which was near extinction five years ago, is now, once again, a thriving musical ensemble under the baton of Scott Walker. Kilmarnock Concert Brass, which has collected silverware at its last four contests, gave a varied and entertaining concert programme which enthralled the near-capacity audience. Donations from the concert-goers on their way out raised over £350 for church funds. Photo Sponsored of theby Issue the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Margaret Scott’s photogrph taken at Underhill, Dalry, humorously titled Lunch Pad. Margaret wins an evening meal for two up to the value of £30 at the Ken Bridge Hotel. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “We had the usual brilliant selection of high quality photographs entered this issue, but the colour and crispness of Margaret’s shot made it our choice for this issue’s winner.” How to Enter: any photos taken in the Glenkens can be entered landscapes, wildlife, portraits, action shots... Email them to glenkensgazette @hotmail.co.uk If you are a winner the Gazette will send you out a voucher - please call the Ken Bridge to book your meal, and make sure to take your winner’s voucher along with you. Trio of trombones to the fore for a musical feature © Karen Hall. Glenkens Gazette page 16 Glenkens Gazette page 17 Glenkens Gazette page 18 River Ken at Dalry In far off times the shadowing alders cast flickering light over your dark pools as wandering hunters probed your banks. In time a castle motte was raised to guard the crossing. With what dread did early travellers walk beneath its mound as they passed this way? The Day the Internet Sprung a Leak (apologies to Robb Wilton) The day came when its sentinel tower decayed and fell. Yet its church still stood as a refuge for pilgrims, as a haven for weary travellers. A place to rest weary feet in the cool calm of its sanctuary, or seek brief respite from wind and rain that had buffeted and soaked them through. The day the internet sprung a leak There was chaos in Dalry With data and icons all over the place The broadband went awry Later travellers reached your grassy banks and lay down with relief to watch cattle and horses splash through the ford. Or on colder, wetter days when the river was high to watch black cattle swim the river and the ferry offer safe passage to horse and rider. On wilder days of raging flood to wait for a better day. The fibre cabinet in midtown Spewed files from deep underneath The Openreach man arrived Drank tea and sucked his teeth Today the crossing is easy. A gentle walk across the swaying planks of a bridge to make forays into farflung fields. Until that bridge becomes like a pier jutting into the sea, powerless against nature’s flood. by David Bartholomew The heavy stuff flowed downhill Some right down to the Ken Pictures of Rhinos and mountains Wagner and three wise men Lighter stuff drifted away To Glenlee and on to the Rhinns Fairies, pop music, clean jokes Balloons and cartoon violins When they finally plugged the leak Google numpties were on cloud nine Oh, what a joy, they all said Now that we’re back online by The Rhyming Reporter Glenkens Gazette page 19 DUMFRIES-STRANRAER RAILWAY The Dumfries to Stranraer railway line is on a strategic European route, effectively linking northern Ireland, southwest Scotland and northern England. The potential for local and through passenger traffic, freight and tourist traffic on a reopened railway is considerable. Local trains would bring back rail connections to Newton Stewart, Castle Douglas and Dalbeattie and each of these would act as railheads for the surrounding areas. Potential freight traffic would include supermarket traffic en route to northern Ireland and timber harvested in Galloway. Timber trains already operate from Carlisle to Chirk in north Wales, and Dumfries & Galloway is, by percentage, the most heavily forested area in Scotland. As short haul air travel lessens due to environmental concerns, the potential to regain through passenger traffic from northern Ireland to the north of England and further afield increases. Overhead electrification would be cost prohibitive due to the length of the line, but advancements in hydrogen fuel cell technology provide a green alternative. Hydrogen powered trains already operate in Germany, and recent trials have taken place of a hydrogen powered train in England which will begin mainline testing soon. The Lake District takes in approximately four times as much from tourism as Dumfries & Galloway, despite being geographically close and similar in nature. One reason for this is that the Lake District has three railways passing through; The West Coast Main Line, the Windermere branch and the Cumbrian Coast Line. Were Dumfries & Galloway to experience a significant increase in tourism, few local people would want to contend with the increase in traffic on the roads, parking problems and extra pollution. There is also great potential in the charter train market. Charter trains typically have around a two hour layover at their destinations, with passengers spending significant amounts in local retailers. Dumfries & Galloway is the lowest wage economy of 32 local authority areas in Scotland, and suffers from rural depopulation as young people leave the region to go to Scotland's Central Belt and elsewhere. A railway would help people live in the area without the expense of a car - 24% of the region's population do not own or have access to a car. Current bus services are infrequent in the evenings and on Sundays, and bus journey times are very slow when compared to rail. A reopened railway would encourage working age people to move to the area, and with a campaign ongoing for Galloway to become a National Park it would seem essential in the 21st century to have a green transport corridor through the area. Sandy Rogerson, Reopen the Dumfries-Stranraer Railway Wright’s Shop & Post Office - Closed Mondays Open Tuesday to Sunday - three changing cask ales & cider - fresh, seasonal & local food - open all day every day - award-winning food, beer & atmosphere - en-suite accommodation - 20% off takeaway discount - country sport & walkers facilities - 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk Dalry’s local convenience store • licensed grocers • • newsagents • stocking a range of local suppliers • Express Bakery bread • • Irvings biscuits & cakes • • Ballards & Dalmellington Country Butchers meat & pies • • Mitchells fruit & veg • Shop & Post Office open 7 days Monday to Friday 7am–6pm Saturday 8am–6pm Sunday 8.30am–4pm Tel 01644 430 225 Glenkens Gazette The Carlingwark Canal Below is an excerpt from Lost Canals and Waterways of Britain by Ronald Russell, contributed by Jill Russell. One of the earliest Scottish canal undertakings to be completed was the Carlingwark Canal on the lower reaches of the River Dee near Kirkcudbright. In 1765 a 1.5 mile cut was made from Carlingwark Loch to the river near Threave Castle. This was the work of Sir Alexander Gordon of Culvennan and was known, rather confusingly, as Carlingwark Lane. It reduced the level of the loch by several feet and enabled marl to be dug out of the loch and transported by canal and river to farms in the neighbourhood. The river navigation was improved in or about 1780 by the construction of a second cut, half a mile long, near Culvennan House on the Dee above Threave Castle. This cut bypassed a swift-running stretch of river and had a lock – possibly two – close to the back of Culvennan House. Then a few years later a much more ambitious scheme was proposed for a 26-mile canal with several locks from Dalry alongside the Ken and Dee to the estuary near Kirkcudbright. This was to be known as the Glenkens Canal and it was authorised by an act of 1802. John Rennie surveyed the route and estimated the cost at rather over £33,000. Sufficient support was not forthcoming, however, and the idea was dropped. Marl-carrying boats used the Carlingwark Canal until about 1840. As it was a private undertaking there was no official abandonment and it is not possible to say whether it was used at all after that date. Both lengths are still extant and can be explored, although permission and wellington boots are required for certain stretches. The short northern section can be approached from Glenlochar Bridge, where the B795 crosses the Dee. Above the bridge is the Glenlochar Barrage, part of the Galloway Hydro-electric Scheme. Below the bridge is the entrance to the canal, on the left-hand side by an embankment. The site of the lock or locks is near the top of the cut and a line of trees at the back of Culvennan House indicates the course of the canal. This is a marshy area with many drainage channels and several pumping stations to control the levels. The southern entrance to this stretch is near a pumping station and there are page 20 indications of an area widened out into a basin. For Carlingwark Lane take the A75 south-west from Castle Douglas, which crosses the waterway at Buchan. It is possible to battle your way alongside the Lane by swinging from the saplings and leaping the drainagle channels. The Castle Douglas-Kirkcudbright Railway crossed the Lane midway; north of the site of the railway bridge the walking becomes easier. You come to a pumping station but may not be able to reach the river because of a wide drainage channel. The Carlingwark Canal brought a measure of prosperity to the area, especially to Castle Douglas which developed out of a little village called Carlingwark, and, before that, Causewayend. It also has its own personal tragedy: from the parapet of Glenlochar Bridge Sir Alexander Gordon's son fell to an untimely death while still a young man. Saturday 23rd November 11am - 4pm A lovely day of amazing local arts and crafts, mince pies and mulled wine... Come and be spoilt for choice - stocking fillers and luxury gifts for Christmas morning! Glenkens Gazette page 21 The Story of the White Snake Bha acras mor air an nathair gheal. Acras mor, uamhasach. Cho clis ris an dealanach, shleamhnaich i air a broinn a-steach dhan bhaile. Theich muinntir a’ bhaile, ach cha robh a h-uile duine luath gu leor, agus bha feisd aid an nathair gheal. An deidh sin, shleamhnaich i air We don’t know how far it dates broinn air ais dhan mhotte. Chaidil i fad back, but we know it was old in laithachean. Robert deBruce Trotter’s time Fad moran mhiosan, chuir an nathair and that raises the interesting gheal eagal am beatha air muinntir possibility of it first being told in a’ bhaile, gus an do dh’ionnsaich iad Gaelic rather than Scots. With that a biadhachadh. A h-uile madainn, in mind, the Gaelic Class in Dalry dh’fhosgladh i a beul agus bhiodh had a crack at a translation. Here cuideigin a’ dortadh de bhainne sios a his Dr DeBruce’s version side by amhach. An deidh sin, bhiodh muinntir side with ours as a comparison, so a’ bhaile a’ torit dhi caoraich is crodh. you can imagine how it might have Dh’fhosgladh i a beul ana’mhor agus sounded when it was first told! dh’itheadh i slan iad. If you are interested in learning Ach bha cuid de lathaichean ann air more about Gaelic, you are nach biodh i air a sasachadh idir. Air welcome to join us at Dalry library cuid de lathaichean, shleamhnaicheadh on a Monday night, 6.30 pm to i air a broinn air ais a-steach dhan 8.30pm. Class costs £15 per block bhaile a-rishisd agus dh’itheadh i cuid of 5, tea and coffee provided. dhen fheadhainn mhi-shealbhach. B’e Contact Mike Ansell for more am uamhasach dorcha a bh’ann do information. mhuinntir a’ bhaile ann an Dail-Righ. Air aonan dhe na lathaichean seo, dh’ith an nathair gheal bean Mhicheil Scots dialect Fleming an gobha. Ghabh Micheal fearg They say yt in the aul’ auncient times mhor. Thuirt e ri mhuinntir a’ bhaile, there wus a oak forrest a’ roon’t the ‘Gu leor! Tha an t-am ann rudeigin a Moat at Dalry, an a maist desperate dheanamh mu’n nathair!’ Bha muinntir muckle White Snake had possession o’ a’ bhaile leis an eagal a-rithisd, agus the ditch, an lay in’t an its tail waggle’t Gaelic chaidh iad am falach anns na taighean amang the water at the fit o’ the scar Aon latha, o chionn fhada, ann an baile aca. at the yae en o’ the ditch, an it’s heid beag d’am b’anim Dail Righ, thacair Ach cha robh an t-eagal air Micheal whiles floatit in the Boat-Weil at the rud eagalach. Dhuisg muinntir a’bhaile Fleming a-nis. Chidh e dhan bhuthither, an whiles rase up on the tap o’ the agus chunnaic iad nathair hor, gheal obrach aige agus rinn e deise-armachd. Moat lookin oot for something tae eat. ‘na suaineadh tri tursan timcheall air a’ Chuir e sgianan air an deise-armachd The natives hads tae deed it wi milk mhotte re taobh Abhainn Chinn. Bha an a bhiodh a’ laighe comhnardach a every mornin, an if they forget it, it nathair cho mor is gun robh a ceann a’ sheasadh suas nuair a tharraingeadh e didna forget them, but joost took a laighe air mullach a’ mhotte agus gun air sreang a bha na * broinn. Chuir e dauner up the Clachan, an ett a dizzen robh a h-earball anns an abhainn. Nuair air an deise-armachd, thog e sgian mhor or twa o’ them, or a wheen kye; an sae a laigh an suilean oirre, ghabh iad eagal anns gach laimh, agus dh’fhalbh e dhan they gat tae be kin’ o’ careful aboot the mor. mhotte. feedin o’t. Bha i na cadal, an nathair It’s no joost certain yt it wus a gheal, mar sin bhreab e i Snake, for some acoonts ca’s ‘t gus a dusgadh. Dhuisg i le a Beast some ca’s ‘t a Dragon, siosarnaich mhor agus thog an some cas’s ‘t a Worm; but i i-fhein suas gu h-ard. Ach whutever it wuss, it had a sheash Micheal rithe, eadhon serious appetite, an the natives mar a dhuin i a beul timcheall gat tae be raither serious aboot air. it, an offer’t great rewards tae Bha e dorcha, blath is fluich onybuddy yt wud kill’t. Plenty na broinn. Tharraing Micheal try’t, but it joost cransh’t them air an t-sreang agus thug an up like as mony carrots, an that nathair siosarnaich mhor awus the end o’ them. Efter a risthisd agus thoinn i le pian. while it tire’t eatin them an took Tharraing Micheal a-mach na tae swalla’in the haill, an wudna sgianan mhor aige agus ghearr chow ocht weer nor a stot. e an nathair. Ghearr e i gus an Weel, there wus a smith in do dh’fhosgail a bru. Thuit e the Clachan they ca’t Michael a-mach anns a’ ghrein agus Fleming, an the Snake had bha an nathair gheal marbh. hookit his wife oot o’ the Thainig muinntir a’ bhaile aKirkyaird an made a brekfast o’ mach as na taighean aca agus An illustration by Kirkcudbright Academy pupils from the 1970s bha iad gle shona. her, an the man wus mad aboot The story of the White Snake is one of the Glenkens most compelling folk myths. The White Snake it, an thocht nae yin had a richt tae illuse her but hissel; sae he sets his wuts tae work tae fin some wey o’ murderin the puir innocent Snake; an he made hissel a coat o’ airmour, a’ cover’t wi knife blades, an they lay close tae the airmour as lang as he keepit quait, but whunever he begood tae warsel they stuck oot a’ ower him like the proggle o’ a hurcheon. Yae mornin whun he thocht the brute wud be hungry, he gaed his wa’s doon tae the Moat, a close’t up in his airmour, an a weel-sherpen’t gully in every han, tae try an get the Snake tae swalla him. Hooever it wus sleepin whun he gaed doon, an he had tae jag it atween the scales wi a gully tae wauken’t. The minute it saw whut wus kittlin’t, it loot an awfu gulder, an made a dab at him, an afore he ken’t whuten en o’ him wus up, he wus sprauchlin in its inside, half chokit for want o’ breath. Than he thraw’t hissel every wey he could think o’, an gart the knifes stick oot, an slash’t at it wi the gullies, till at last he kill’t it, an cut a wey oot for hissel, an raise’t the natives, an they cut it up in bits, an sent it doon the water in a spate; an than he gaed an claim’t the reward. They say there’s some o’ its banes about Loch Ken yet. An Nathair Gheal created for Alan Temperley’s book Tales of Galloway. Glenkens Gazette page 22 A Special Nicht at the Ken Bridge ‘In Galloway the Nicht...’ was quite a special evening at the Ken Bridge Hotel. In the photograph to the left, which opened the exhibition of his writings, Logan turns towards us as if to say, “O, it’s you, where have you been? What have you been up to? Yeah, I’m still here. Come in. Come in…” And so, in the packed-full carvery room of the Ken Bridge Hotel on Friday 5 September, the evening began. In conversation with well-loved traditional musician Jo Miller, Logan’s brother Dave Paterson (top right) and James Edgar entertained the gathered company with tales of the man who in his lifetime chronicled many a tale of life in the Glenkens – the old ways, folk, animals and places that found their way into his songs and poems. A selection of these was read by Dave, James, Ted Cowan, Brian Edgar, Harry Nodwell and Susan Currie whose performances in Logan’s native tongue of Galloway Scots drew out the variously humorous, tender and wistful notes of his writing. The room resounded with both laughter and silence and, when Jo’s fiddle started up, foot-tapping, followed by singing along with the chorus in her rendition of The Furmiston Clip: Gie’s some tar, gie’s some tar! Yon bit an that bit an a wee bit ower there! And with the CatStrand Singers’ performance of the beautiful Galloway Lullaby: The high circlin buzzard o’er Park of Glenlee Clouds are girdled roon the moon, sit on Millyea like a croon. My wee bairnies coorie doon, in Galloway the nicht. And behind the sun is resting on Meikle Millyea Oer the Rhinns o the Kells slowly she maks her way The ceilidh continued with chat, songs and poems from all corners of the room as folk reminisced and shared pieces that resonated with the spirit of Logan’s work – the work of a man we might call our local ‘village bard’. Tae sleep on Millfire, rollin over Milldoon And coories doon ayont Corserine It was with his own words, read in his brother’s voice, that this quite special evening closed: O the greatest o’ pleasure that ere man could hae Is to stay in the Glenkens at the end of the day The wealth o’ its beauty it sets the soul free If the evening instilled in you the desire to write about Galloway, whether in Galloway Scots or any other speak, you might be interested in meeting other local people who enjoy writing. Ken Words, who organised “In Galloway the nicht…” is a small communitybased writing project that provides opportunities to develop your writing and share it with others. If you’d like to find out more please contact me, Jane McBeth on 01644 420374 or email janeemcbeth@gmail.com THE SPEAK OF GALLOWAY Following last year’s conference on the Gaelic heritage of Galloway, this year’s ‘Speak of Galloway’ event focused on the distinctive variety of the Scots language spoken in the region. A large and enthusiastic CatStrand audience heard a range of language experts discussing the origin, nature and future of Gallovidian Scots. Professor Jeremy Smith set the language in the context of language development in these parts, Margie Ferguson with “Haud yir tongue and mind yir language” reviewed her research on the changing sound and usage of spoken Scots across the region, and Derrick McClure traced early efforts to record the leid,or language, and its meanings, most notably in “John Mactaggart’s Gallovidian Encyclopaedia”. Margie’s research confirmed the language was very much alive and distinctive, changing as all living languages should, and being used alongside standard English by all generations, including the young. Chris Rollie and Rab Wilson, both with roots in “Greater Galloway”, made fluent use of the leid itself to speak on the survival of bird names and lore in Dumfries and Galloway and evoke poetic memories of the lost Tynron village of Cormilligan. A highlight of the day was a lively discussion, conducted in Gallovidian Scots, on the culture in which the leid still thrives. Robin Jardine and John ‘Cubby’ McCubbing, drawing on lifetime Gallovidian Scots speakers Robin Jardine and John McCubbing, centre, lead a lively discussion flanked by conference organisers Ted Cowan and Michael Ansell. experiences, enthralled the audience with tales of farming, forestry and fishing in the Glenkens and spoke passionately and frankly on the threats and challenges this world and its language are facing. The organisers gratefully acknowledge the sponsorship from Beltie Books of Wigtown and the Saltire Society and the support of CatStrand. Glenkens Gazette page 23 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN The Phantoms of Halloween Currently not a day passes without some reference to 31 October – Halloween – because this year, that is the date on which our country is supposed to leave the European Union. For many of us the symbolism is perfect – the ‘day of the dead’ when bad folk are carried off to the Deil’s lair which, we might imagine, will be fuller than usual, because of the cantrips, lies, dishonesty and faithlessness of devious and deviant politicians. ‘Cantrips’ is an old Scottish word for a witch’s trick or a sham. All of this is not the stuff of celebration. Dooking for apples, scones dripping with treacle, or guising will not save us. The ignorance that permitted belief in such matters in the past has not disappeared. Today the great and the good, who allegedly know better than we do about what is good for us, are still chasing phantoms. On a cheerier note a project which has occupied some of us for the last decade, and longer, has now come to fruition. Dumfries and Galloway: People and Place c.1700 to 1914 has now been published. The book is about the folk of the region and aspects of their experience such as work, recreation, food, living conditions, communication and transport, music and song, population and emigration with specialised research on Kirkcudbright, the growth of towns and villages, smuggling, metal miners and farming. In his chapter John Burnett, formerly a National Museums of Scotland principal curator, finds that there is almost no 18th century information about Halloween before John Mayne of Dumfries published his poem with that title in 1783, inspiring Burns’ more famous production. Lizanne Henderson (University of Glasgow) contributes a chapter on folklore, a paragraph of which I borrow since it is of Glenkens interest, specifically on the subject of ghosts. Post-Reformation Scots of Protestant persuasion should not have been troubled by ghosts, notably numerous around Halloween, and thought, in earlier times, to have been the souls of the dead awaiting respite or purgatory. Medieval authorities debated whether the dead had to wait for the Last Judgement before they could be admitted to Heaven or whether they gained their berth there immediately after death. There were many elaborate variations on these ideas, largely junked by the reformers. Thomas Miller (1717-1789) inherited the Glenlee estate in Kells parish from his father and it duly passed on in turn to his own son, William, (1755-1846) Lord President of the College of Justice. Thomas’s brother was Patrick Miller of Dalswinton, the patron of Robert Burns. There were numerous stories about the haunting of Glenlee Park. A female ghost was seen by Captain Clark Kennedy and the local butler who heard the rustle of her dress as she passed by, to disappear through a rusty locked door. Another guest recognised a photograph of a deceased individual who borrowed his brush and comb. A visitor attested that a woman had been tending the fire in his room when she turned around and approached his bed, “she glared at him with such a distorted countenance which might have once been beautiful but hideous now with the expression of all the evil passions it personified”. It was believed the apparition was that of Lady Ashburton who walked about Glenlee wearing a grey silk dress. She was said to have poisoned her husband. There was a further elaboration that her butler, in turn, poisoned the lady, stealing some of her valuables. Ghost stories are fairly common. Pipers were forever playing as they marched into caves, often to be heard subsequently, but never to be seen again. Enlightenment historian Robert Heron (1764-1807) of New Galloway, refers briefly to ghosts in his History of Scotland as representations of those in purgatory who had been denied last rites, an interpretation rejected by the Protestant reformers like much else that was, as he put it, “absurd and fanciful in the opinions of the vulgar”. We will have to tolerate the absurd and fanciful views of our vulgarian politicians for some time to come. Through time 31 October may become known as ‘the day of the deadheads’. Ted Cowan The Kells Cotton Kings The amazing story linking four local families with the rise of the Manchester cotton industry is the subject of the next Glenkens Story lecture on Saturday 2 November. From the mid eighteenth century the Lancashire cotton industry began to grow at a spectacular rate to meet expanding international demand. Four men from the Glenkens parish of Kells found themselves at the centre of this dash for growth. Each had received a sound grounding during their education in Kells and went on to build businesses in the Manchester area. Through time they and their families came to dominate the fine spinning industry of Manchester and gain international reputations. Latterly, members of all the families, broadened by wealth and marriage, returned to Galloway and played a leading part in promoting the development of the Glenkens. William Kennedy, the great great Glenkens initiative helped Manchester achieve industrial fame. grandson of one of these pioneers has researched their story for his book, To Grasp an Opportunity, and will speak on the subject at 2.30pm on Saturday 2 November at CatStrand. Tickets, priced £5, are available from www.catsand.com and 01644 420 374. Glenkens Gazette page 24 The Scottish Alternative Games Now in its 43rd year, the enduring appeal of the Games once again attracted a large crowd to New Galloway. This year’s Gird ‘n’ Cleek World Champion was a New Galloway local once again, with Arthur Harfield taking the title. The Tractor Pull attracted plenty of entrants with this year’s men’s competition winner being Ralph Spernagel, and taking gold for the ladies’ event was Carolyn Godfrey. The Quad Bike Pull for the juniors attracted the biggest queue of the day, with youngsters showing their strength. The Mungo Bryson Memorial Trophy for the men’s Tossin’ the Sheaf competition was won by George Dempster, who also won the Hurlin’ the Curlin’ Stane event. In the ladies’ Tossin’ the Sheaf, for the second year running Dawn Spernagel took the gold, beating last year’s height by a foot. Dawn’s daughter Charlotte was keeping up the family tradition by coming second with an impressive height of 17ft 6in. The Snail Racing attracted big crowds as always with curious punters rolling up to support, encourage and even bribe the snails in each of the three races during the afternoon. The Classic Car Show was well supported and attracted an impressive line-up of vehicles. The show was organised by Rex Dressler with the winner being voted for by the crowd throughout the afternoon. This year’s winner was the Alvis 12/50 owned by Mr Derek Smith. The ever-popular Archery event, run by Threave Bowmen Archery Club, gave folk the chance to try their hand at the ancient skill and was very busy all afternoon. The other sideshows and stalls surrounding the arena provided something for everyone throughout the day with the opportunity to try out some of our wonderful local produce, particularly beer from Sulwath Brewery, ice cream from Glen Urr and cheese from The Damn Fine Top: Gird ‘n’ Cleek race in action by Louise Cheese Co. McClure. Above: New Gird ‘n’ Cleek World Champion Lockerbie Pipe Band set the Arthur Harfield, centre, with runner-up and former scene perfectly as always and champion Alexander McKenna and bronze medallist opened the Games in their usual Fiona McQueen. Picture by Ian Biggar. fine style, and there were also music sessions featuring local in 2020. The organisers would like to musicians outside CatStrand during the thank the many people who helped to day. make the Games a success once again The Alternative Games, originally and a big thank you to everyone who started in Parton in 1977, now look came along to spectate and compete on forward to the 20th year in New Galloway the day. Glenkens Gazette page 25 Glenkens Gazette CATSTRAND YOUTH CatStrand Youth had a fantastic summer with over twenty different page 26 events taking place and lots of new faces. Thanks to everyone who took part. We’re back running regular term-time groups and planning some exciting projects for the next few months. For updates, have a look at our website or facebook pages at www.catstrandyouth.co.uk or www.facebook.com/ catstrandyouth Above - trip to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Katy Billington, CatStrand Youth Arts Coordinator Photographs: Left - litter picking for our Eco Art Beach Day. Spalding Bowling Club Above left: Spalding bowling club held their open pairs - left to right are runners-up Graeme Penrose and Alastair McMillan, president Elizabeth Peacock, Valerie Russell who presented the prizes to the winners who were Isa-Jane Rogerson and David Bark, on behalf of sponsors GTR Contractors, Dumfries; Lochinvar Hotel, Dalry; and Natural Power Ltd. Above right: An excellent win for Spalding Bowling Club’s Peter Hamilton, Ian Murray, John Peacock and John McNally in winning the Stewartry Bowling Association’s county senior rinks competition. Mossdale’s Robin Hood sets off on his latest fundraising journey. Sean Has a Talent for Art Young local artist, Sean Watson, recently exhibited his work in Castle Douglas Town Hall. Sean, who is 22 was born with a considerable hearing loss, used to use his drawing to assist him to communicate, it can be very frustrating not having the words. It soon became evident that he had a talent for art. Sean went to main stream school, starting at Crossmichael Primary, and then on to Castle Douglas High School. His art, however, is very much self taught. He takes great pleasure in being asked to paint for anyone. Sean already has some paintings on display, thanks to the kindness of Mark Gilmour, of A Step Forward in Castle Douglas. Glenkens Gazette page 27 New Gates for St Margaret’s New oak gates have been installed in the Lychgate at St Margaret’s Episcopal Church, New Galloway in memory of John Maxwell (1931-2017. This is in recognition of his enormous contribution and commitment to St Margaret’s for over 50 years. A dedication ceremony took place on 25 August at which the extended Maxwell family joined the regular congregation. The original Lychgate was installed in 1911 in memory of Mr A F M Spalding who had been instrumental in the building of the church in 1904. In medieval times lychgates were made entirely of timber, perhaps with a thatched roof, but the St Margaret’s one is timber with a red tiled roof to match the church. The new oak gates have been made to match the original ones and have utilised the existing iron hinges. The Glenkens Agricultural Show also owes a debt of gratitude to John Maxwell who offered the Mains of Kenmure when the original site no longer provided enough space. It has been held on Maxwell lands ever since, apart from cancellations due to flooding and during the foot and mouth outbreak. The quiet generosity to the community was typical and he was proud to be made an Honorary President for Life Revd Canon Barry Gilbert and 12 members of the of the Glenkens Agricultural Society. Maxwell family following the dedication of the oak John Maxwell was also an gates on 25 August. independent councillor for the Glenkens, firstly in the Stewartry provides affordable housing to those in District Council, where he was chairman need in the Glenkens. After Pam Young of the housing committee for over ten died in 2008 he was elected chairman, years, and later in the amalgamated a role he undertook with diligence until Dumfries & Galloway Council. After stepping down a few months before he retiring from the Council he joined the died. newly formed Pamela Young Trust which CATSTRAND SINGERS LOOK FOR STORIES On Saturday 2 November the Catstrand Singers invite you to afternoon tea to launch and celebrate our new exciting project. 12th October 9th November 10am-12.30pm For further information or to book a stall ring 01644 430 454 or visit www.dalrytownhall.co.uk Entrance by donation - proceeds towards Dalry Town Hall Refurbishment Fund We would like to hear your stories about life in Galloway. Our musical director Nicola Black would draw on this material to produce songs. This project, funded by the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership, will culminate in a CD and booklet of these songs. Glenkens Gazette page 28 GLOBAL STRIKE FOR Conservation with John CLIMATE CHANGE Muir Awards This term Dalry Secondary School is running a John Muir award scheme which focuses on local conservation issues. On Friday 20 September there was a Global Strike for Climate Change, led by young people. Schools across the region joined the strike with pupils raising their voices in a plea that those in power look at the facts and take action in order to safeguard their futures. Kirkcudbright Academy pupils were one of the groups to organise a local strike, with school students and young people from all over the region in attendance, including Glenkens cluster pupils. Can you spot anyone you recognise in the above photograph? Glenkens Primaries Welcome to a new school year in the Glenkens Primaries. This term we welcomed a new teacher, Ruaridh Andrew, into our Primary 1/2 class at Dalry - Ruaridh will be with us for the whole session and we hope he enjoys his time here. We are looking to find more ways of working with members of our wonderful local communities and engaging more with community groups, and have a number of plans in the making. We would love to hear about any ideas, skills or interests anyone in the community has and could possibly share with us. For example, recently we had some fascinating workshops on how the respiratory system works complete with children making working models using balloons to demonstrate how our lungs inflate and deflate, all thanks to a generous member of the community donating a little of their time and a lot of their enthusiasm to support our young people’s learning. We are also thinking about our outdoor environments this year, particularly play areas and quiet meditative places. As the year progresses we may ask to see if anyone has anything they would be willing to donate to the schools to help us with these. We will let you know as our projects progress...watch this space! If you would like to get involved or have any ideas for engaging with the community, please contact the school office on 01644 430 105 or gw17officedalr yps@ea.dumgal.sch.uk Paul Scrimshaw, Glenkens Cluster Head Teacher The pupils have been learning about the importance of wild food in autumn to both the local animals and humans. As part of our conservation work we are planning to restore our school pond, which has become very overgrown. Part of this task involves removing some brambles and the pupils decided to make good use of the berries by harvesting them and turning them into jam. We will post updates on our progress on the blog as we go. Pupils are planning a range of activities and events over the coming academic year. There will be a coffee morning on 27 September, a pantomime performance on 27 November, and the community choir which runs in the school and is open to everyone is on again from 3.30-4.30pm on a Wednesday. For information on any of these activities you can contact the school office on 01644 430 259 or email gw08officed alry@ea.dumgal.sch.uk Lots more community events will pop up over the term, so please take a look at our blog to keep up to date of what’s happening at Dalry Secondary: https://blogs.glowscotland.org. uk/dg/dalrysecondary/ Pupils enjoy Roald Dahl Day fun at Dalry (left) and Kells (right) primary schools. Glenkens Gazette page 29 Glenkens Transport Ini�a�ve (GTI) is now Galloway Community Transport (GCT). Glenkens Gazette page 30 OCTOBER & NOVEMBER OCTOBER Thu 3, Community Council Elections Thu 3, Macmillan Coffee Afternoon, 14.30pm, Hair by Jayne, Main St, Dalry Fri 4, Quiz Night, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Sat 5, Family Bingo, 4-6pm, New Galloway Town Hall Fri 5, Patrick Monahan, 7.30pm, Catstrand Sat 5 & Sun 6, Exhibition Of Photographs: Dalry Then And Now By Dalry Heritage Group, Dalry Town Hall Sun 6, Ken Words: Wigtown Book Festival Trip, 10am-5pm, Catstrand Wed 9, Dalry Film Club: Wild Rose (15), 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Thur 10, Play & A Piece: My Friend Selma, 1pm, Catstrand Fri 11, Talk: The Galloway Hoard - Everything That You Should Know, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Fri 11, Vanives, 7.30pm, Catstrand Sat 12, Glenkens Farmers Market, 10am-12.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Wed 16, Theatre: The Man Who Planted Trees, 1pm, Catstrand Sat 19, Anne Chaurand: A Musical Journey Through Pieces Inspired By Scottish, Celtic & Latin Landscapes (Classical Guitar), 7.30pm, Balmaghie Church, Glenlochar. To book tickets call 01644 430 052 Wed 23, Dalry Film Club: Fisherman’s Friends (12a), 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Fri 25, Dark Sky Jazz: Tommy Smith & Brian Kellock, 7.30pm, Catstrand Sat 26, Vikings In D&g, An Event For All The Family, 2.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Sun 27, Climate Change Conversation With Dougie Campbell, 2.30pm, Catstrand Tue 29, Eos: Leonardo The Works, 7.30pm, Catstrand NOVEMBER Sat 2, Glenkens Story: Cotton Kings Of Kells, 2.30pm, Catstrand, See P21 Sat 2, Singing the Galloway Glens, 3pm, Dalry Town Hall Sat 9, Family Bingo, 4-6pm, New Galloway Town Hall Sat 9, Glenkens Farmers Market, 10am-12.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Sun 10, Film: Cloudforest (Pg), Followed By Discussion, In Partnership With Stewartry Climate Group, 2.30pm, Catstrand Wed 13, Dalry Film Club: Journeys End (12a), 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Thurs 14, Elmøe & Hoffman, 7.30pm, Catstrand Sat 16, Carsphairn Heritage Group Agm, 3pm, Lagwyne Hall Sun 17, Nancy Kerr & Luke Daniels, 2.30pm, Catstrand Wed 20, Ken Words: Karen Campbell, 7pm, Catstrand Sat 23, Battle Of The Bands, Castle Douglas Town Hall, See P26 Sat 23, Catstrand Christmas Shopping Day, 11am-4pm, Catstrand, New Galloway Sat 23, Rankin & Robertson, 7.30pm, Catstrand Sun 24, Community Beetle Drive, Balmaclellan Village Hall, time tbc Sun 24, Climate Cafe, 2-4pm, CatStrand Wed 27, Dalry Secondary School Pantomime, See P28 DECEMBER Sun 1, Community Christmas Concert, New Galloway Town Hall, time tbc Fri 6 & Sat 7, CatStrand Youth Players Christmas Panto, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 7, Christmas Craft Fair, 11am4pm, Mossdale Village Hall p14-15: Galloway Glens Diary p11: Connecting in Communities Events & Activities LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS Glenkens Community Shop: Contact Shirley McNaught on 07955 743 022 or drop by the charity shop on Main Street, Dalry Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING): Contact Ros Hill on ros.hill@rathanhouse.co.uk Dalry Communities Properties Trust (DCPT): Contact Andi Holmes on andiholmes@hotmail.com or 07729 292 126 Dalry Town Hall: Contact Jim Reid on 01644 430231 New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE): Contact Sam Rushton on 07741 656601 or samCEW@ newgallowaycommunity.shop or pop into New Galloway Community Shop Balmaclellan Community Trust: Contact Julia Higgins on julia.higgins55@outlook.com CatStrand: Contact Chris Jowsey at chris@catstrand.com 01644 420 374 or pop in to the CatStrand Schools: Pop into the school office or call Dalry Primary on 01644 430 105 (for Nursery/ELC too), Dalry Secondary on 01644 430 259 or Kells on 01644 420 340 Carsphairn Heritage Group: carsphairnheritagegroup@ gmail.com Bright Stars - Glenkens Community Nursery: Contact glenkenscommunitynursery@gmail.com Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP): Contact McNabb Laurie on mcnabb.laurie@dumgal.gov.uk If you would like to add your community organisation to this list please get in touch with the Gazette - contact details are on the back page. Glenkens Gazette page 31 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Film Makers’ Club, Mon 7-8.30pm Exercise to Music: Mon 9.3010.30am MMM Adult Colours & Dance: 2.30pm-3.30pm MMM Health, Play & Creative Movement: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time) 3.45-4.30pm MMM Children’s Grades & Youth Dance: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time) 4.30-5.30pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, 1st Tues of the month, 6-8pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab, Mon (term-time) 7-8.30pm, ages 12-18 Animation Club, Tues 4-6pm (starts 12 Feb then fortnightly) Gentle Tai Chi: Wed 10am Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed 2-3.30pm Game Tech, last Wed each month, 6-8pm Writers’ Cafe, 2nd Thurs each month 7-9pm Sing it Out, Thurs 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes, 1st & 3rd Thurs each month, 1–3.30pm Yoga, Tues 6.30-7.30pm & Thurs 9.15-10.45am Learn the Whistle, (starts 28 Feb; 8-week block. Ages 412 - 3.45-4.30pm; Age 12+ & Adults - 5-6.30pm). Contact chris@catstrand.com to find out more Zumba Gold, Fri (term-time) 9.3010.30am, CatStrand, 16+ Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry: GCC Playgroup, Tues, Wed & Thurs 9.15-11.45am Guides, Tues 6-8pm Yoga, Wed 7.30-8.45pm, for info call Carylann on 07817 400 287 Brownies, Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts, Thurs 79pm Thursday Craft Group, Thurs 24pm Glenkens Children’s Club, Fri 10am-12noon New Galloway Town Hall: Glenkens Art Workshop, Mon 24pm during term-time LING Elevenses & Lunches, Tues 11am-2pm Fast Broadband Access, Tues 11am-2pm Skills for Life, get up to speed on current technology, Tues 2-4pm, for info call CD IT centre on 01556 503167 Table Tennis & Carpet Bowls, Tues 7-9pm Circuits, Tues 5.30-6.30pm Zumba, Wed 7.30-8.30pm, 11+ Circuits, Sat 8-9am Various Locations: Hatha Yoga, Mon 10-11.15am, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Carsphairn Post Office, Wed 1.15-3pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Dalry WI, 3rd Tues each month 2pm, Dalry Town Hall (except Jun, Jul & Aug) Beavers, Tues 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training, Tues & Thurs 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Mossdale Painters, Wed 9.30am, Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH TIMES CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sunday Services: Balmaclellan 10am: 1st. Carsphairn 11.15am: 1st,2nd, 3rd, 4th. Dalry 10am: 2nd, 4th. Kells 10am: 3rd. Kells 10am: 3rd. Special Services/Events: Family Service, 13 Oct, 10am, Dalry Church. Quiz Night, Fri 8 Nov, 7.30 pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Communion Service: 27 Oct, 10am, Dalry Church. 17 Nov, 11.15am, Carsphairn Church. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed. CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Kirkcudbright: Sun Mass, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sat Mass, 5pm. Mossdale Village Hall Chat, Cuppa & a Cake, Wed 10am2.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Community Choir, Wed 3.304.30pm, Dalry Secondary School Gentle Dru Yoga, Wed 7.30-9pm & Thu 12.30–2pm, Laurieston Village Hall, contact 450269 Youth Writing, 1st Thurs each month (during term time) 3.30-5pm, ages 10-15, Dalry Library Kettlebells, Balmaclellan Village Hall, Thurs 6-7pm Carsphairn SWI, 3rd Thurs of the month, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, for further info call Christine on 01644 460 577 Coffee & Craft, Fri 9am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Bridge Hotel Scouts, Thu 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Gentle Tai Chi, Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall Golf Junior Coaching, Sat 10-11: 30am, New Galloway Golf Course, see p8 Restoring Footpaths, Sat 10am1pm, phone 420 632 to confirm Junior Golf & Come-and-Try for all ages, New Galloway Golf Course, Sat 10am Yoga and Meditation Evening, every 3rd Sunday of the month, 7p9pm, Drumwhill, Mossdale. Contact Rachael 01644 450269 to book. Men’s Shed, Old Smiddy, Balmaclellan. Opening times: Mon 9.30am-4pm & 6.30-8.30pm; Wed 9.30am-1pm & woodcarving from 24pm; Fri 9.30am-12noon. Dalry Library Tuesdays 10.30am-2pm Fridays 11am-4.30pm For further informa�on contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 32 WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE OLD SMIDDY? Anyone passing through Balmaclellan will have noticed some changes happening to The Smiddy in the centre of the village. The building is now nearing completion and has been transformed into a light and airy venue with facilities for meetings, small events and community activities. The design draws on the history of the building as a public house and then a smiddy, with a great many of the original features being retained whilst transforming the interior into a warm and welcoming space fit for the 21st century. Robert Paterson, known best as Old Mortality, of Covenanting times, would surely have approved; he and his family reputedly lived in the building and his wife set up the first school in Balmaclellan. The intention is that the new building will complement the Men’s Shed at the rear, the success of which gave Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) the confidence to progress with the development of the rest of the site. It was the first Men’s Shed in the region and now has a membership of nearly forty people, over 20% of whom are women. It has well-equipped woodworking and metalworking rooms, and even a bike maintenance facility and is open three days a week. The renovation works at The Smiddy have only been possible with the support of LEADER, Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP) and private donors to whom we are extremely grateful. GCAT is now working to raise additional funds to enable the building to be used to its full potential. It will be a true multiuse space and will complement the other facilities available in the village and the wider Glenkens. The intention is to have a focus on young people and we are actively looking at the potential for modern apprentice training with a slant towards traditional skills. An exciting development is that the main meeting room, which will be designated the Watson room, will host a permanent display of Donald Watson’s paintings. Additionally, the key exhibit from the recent Energise exhibition at Gracefield, titled Watershed, will be on permanent loan at The Smiddy thanks to the generosity of the purchaser. Whilst embryonic at this stage, we see The Smiddy as an appropriate venue to host an exhibition of the Balmaclellan mirror which is currently housed in the National Museum of Scotland. This local treasure is a very early Bronze Age mirror which has been on national tour but never been back to its original home. There will be broadband installed as this is required to maximise the potential of the building. We see there being opportunities to run training courses and potential distance learning from colleges, etc. One of the rooms has also been constructed with added sound insulation so that it can be used for recording, music, gaming, fllming, and these kinds of things as these activities ROWAN HOLIDAY COTTAGE GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE are in high demand at CatStrand and having additional space to facilitate them will enable more people to participate. In the early stages, The Smiddy will primarily accommodate activities displaced from CatStrand as the latter is bursting at the seams, but it is very much the intention that The Smiddy becomes a parallel facility which will have its own personality and add to the facilities of the Glenkens as a whole. There will initially be a series of ‘soft’ openings to test the venue, but in the not too distant future we plan to have a grand opening party, so keep a look out for further updates. Alan Smith ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway 4 Star Rated - Sleeps Six Dog friendly - Private Parking Secluded Garden FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL 07503 958 710 01644 420234 An ideal base for exploring Galloway... WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk DEC/JAN COPY DEADLINE: 5 NOV Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.co.uk The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 114 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_114 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2019 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/259/GlenkensGazette113.pdf 4a34a041501d157fb545262908237c5b Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 113 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE News from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry August/September 2019 ISSUE 113 FREE AUTUMN FEAST ON THE MENU Get ready to enjoy the first Glenkens Food Month when we will be celebrating the wealth and diversity of local produce right here in the Glenkens. Throughout September we will have the opportunity to celebrate, sample and purchase locally sourced and produced food and drink. An exciting calendar for the month will include new events across the Glenkens and the promotion of existing activities and businesses focusing on food and drink. The programme kicks off with communities around the Glenkens hosting a Pot Luck Supper on Friday 6 September, and will finish with a Community Ceilidh on Saturday 28 September. As the change in season brings us a wealth of autumn fare, including apples, berries and squashes among many others, there will be a chance to learn the delights we can create with them. Whether you want to apple-press in the Garroch Garden, hear how local food is produced, forage in the wild, learn a new recipe, taste a new wine, gin or liqueur, create pizzas or ‘Rove for your Supper’ there will certainly be something for everyone. And be sure to come along to the Glenkens Feastival on Saturday 21 September, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy food whilst being entertained by local performers and bands. An event not to be missed is the Glenkens Food Trail on Saturday 14 September. Why not explore the Glenkens, taking in the sights and tasty delights of the area? Mossdale, New Galloway, Dalry, Carsphairn, Balmaclellan and Parton will be offering food tasting, walks, talks, demonstrations and activities for children - a fabulous day out for everyone. There will be a calendar detailing events available from local retail outlets from the beginning of August, as well as updates and ongoing information on Facebook @Glenkens Food Month and displayed throughout the Glenkens. Glenkens Food Month has been made possible by grants from the Connect Local Regional Food Fund* and Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership. New Galloway Community Enterprises Ltd have donated the services of their Community Engagement Worker, Sam Rushton, to co-ordinate the event, working collaboratively with local businesses, community organisations will be bursting with our favourite recipes. Sam Rushton is keen to receive contributions for this - a photo of the completed recipe would be a bonus and hopefully tempt us to give it a go ourselves! If you are an individual, business, organisation, supplier or producer and wish to be part of this project, host an event, submit a recipe or would like more information please contact Sam at samCEW@n ewgallowaycommunity.shop or phone 07741 656 601 or pop into New Galloway Community Shop. ...a wealth of autumn fare, including apples, berries and squashes among many others... *The Connect Local Regional and individuals. As a project legacy we are planning The Glenkens Gourmet book which A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve Food Fund is financed by The Scottish Government, in partnership with industry, and has been created to promote local food and drink, in line with Ambition 2030. www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 WIND FARM FUND OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS The Blackcraig Wind Farm Community Fund opened on 1 June. The fund is being administered by Foundation Scotland. The deadline for applying is 23 August 2019 with decisions due in November. The overall purpose of the Fund is to help our communities to be even better places to live and visit for people of all ages. Groups can apply for grants of between £500 and £25,000 for projects that will help the communities become more connected, strong, creative, inclusive, healthy and long lasting. A wide range of charitable activities that will benefit the community can be funded. As is usual in these types of funds there are also some restrictions, for example awards cannot be made to individuals or for political or religious purposes. Drop-in sessions were held in early June across the area where representatives of Foundation Scotland and The Glenkens & District Trust, who will make the decisions on the awards, attended to answer questions and provide support. They were very well attended with people asking questions about a wide range of potential applications. Early indications are that there will be no shortage of applications! Once the closing date for applications is reached, Foundation Scotland will review applications to ensure they are eligible. They are also likely to contact applicants to discuss the application to ensure the information is clear. They will then produce information to enable The Glenkens & District Trust to make the decisions. The Community Councils have also received their individual awards from the fund and are making their own arrangements to use this amount within their own individual Community Council areas. As individual Community Councils they can decide how best to use the money on charitable projects to benefit their area although similar restrictions apply as in the main fund. They can decide to use the money for their own projects or to invite applications from their community. Support and information will be available during the application phase from Foundation Scotland who have their local office in Gatehouse of Fleet. Details on the criteria for awards, where to ask questions and how to apply are available on the following website: www.foundationscotland.org.uk/ programmes/blackcraig Tour of Britain Cycle Race The opening stage of this year’s Tour of Britain will take place on 7 September, starting in Glasgow and passing along the A713 through the Glenkens on its way to the finish in Kirkcudbright. The stage will be jointly hosted by EventScotland, Glasgow Life and Dumfries and Galloway Council. This year’s race will begin on a Saturday for the first time since 2010, heading along the A713 through the Glenkens around lunchtime. Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: "The Tour of Britain presents cycling fans with an unparalleled opportunity to see their favourite teams and riders take to the roads." Dumfries and Galloway most recently welcomed the OVO Energy Tour of Britain in 2016, but has been a regular fixture on the route of Britain’s most prestigious cycle race, having hosted stages on nine previous occasions. Councillor Adam Wilson, the Council’s events champion, said: "Cycling fans in our corner of Scotland will be thrilled with the news that the Tour of Britain is to return to Dumfries and Galloway. The Tour is a much-loved event here, and we are proud of our long association with the UK’s most significant cycling event." The event features Olympic, World and Tour de France champions, and attracts a roadside audience of over 1.5m spectators. Live coverage of the race is shown daily in the UK on ITV4 and Eurosport. Pictured: Far left - The 2019 stage one route. Near left - Andre Greipel salutes the Castle Douglas crowd after winning the Scottish Stage of the Tour in 2016. Glenkens Gazette page 3 Help Your Community Have a Voice Community councils are the most local tier of statutory representation in Scotland. They bridge the gap between local authorities and communities, and help to make public bodies aware of the opinions and needs of the communities they represent. There are around 1,200 community councils in Scotland. Here in the Glenkens we are lucky enough to have five active community councils - Balmaclellan, Dalry, Carsphairn, New Galloway & Kells, and Parton - and they all welcome anyone who wishes to become involved in their local community. As a statutory body there are some rules, one of which is that all community councils must hold an election every four years – that date is now fixed for 3 October. An election allows new people the opportunity to become involved and help their local community and existing members also need to reapply. If you wish to become a community councillor you must be over 16 years old, resident in the community council area and be on the Electoral Register. You will need a proposer, who should also be on the Electoral Register in your area. Nomination papers are available on the Dumfries & Galloway Council website (www.dumgal.gov.uk/ communitycouncils) or by emailing community.councils@dumgal.gov.uk Nominations are open from Tuesday 13 August to Tuesday 3 September. An election ballot will only be held, on Thursday 3 October, if there are more nominations than places on the community council. If there is a specific project you want to get involved with it is also possible to become co-opted as a temporary member. Community council meetings are updates on projects such as Galloway Glens. With wind farm money starting to come through there may also be discussion on local projects that might benefit from funding. Representatives from the police usually attend as well as one of our Dumfries & Galloway Councillors (Dougie Campbell, Pauline Drysdale or Jane Maitland). All community council meetings are open to everyone so if you’d like to find out more, why not pop along to your next local meeting, days and times as follows: Balmaclellan, last Monday of month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn, last Monday of month, 7pm, Lagwyne Village Hall. Dalry, first Monday of month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells, second Monday of month, 7pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Parton, bi-monthly (next will be Sept), 7pm, Parton Village Hall. Mossdale don’t have a community council. Corsock and Kirkpatrick Durham (KPD) are joined, and have meetings monthly at 7.30pm either in Corsock Village Hall or KPD Village Hall. Nb Parton and Corsock are in the Castle Douglas Ward, as opposed to the Glenkens and Dee Ward. Community councils...bridge the gap between local authorities and communities... usually held once a month and typical items on the agenda could include: planning applications, reports of road issues such as potholes, broken pavements or street lights requiring repair, upcoming local events and Carsphairn Primary School BBQ Carsphairn Primary School celebrated its 296th year with a community barbecue and open house. There were displays of school work past and present, along with many former members of staff, pupils and parents present, all of whom thoroughly enjoyed the live music, delicious food and stimulating conversation. After the summer holidays Carsphairn School will be undergoing a process termed ‘mothballing’, which involves the school going into a temporary waiting period of closure until the current children in Carsphairn parish reach school age or new children move into the parish where they will be able to attend this wonderful little school. The only two pupils currently attending will be leaving to go to secondary school this August, so with no pupils, the school has no choice but to undergo this process. A big thank you goes out to Margaret Heuchan, Claire Edgar and all the rest of the people involved in creating this brilliant event. With only another four more years before the school’s 300th anniversary of serving the community, here’s to another 296 years of this excellent rural school. Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk OFFERED Yamaha Electone electric organ. Very good condition. Must collect. Contact: Christine: 01556 690 530. Tile adhesive remover. Unopened and with full instructions. Small Black & Decker strimmer. Suitable for small area only. 6 brake/tail light/flasher auto bulbs. Contact: Sue on 07563 718 011. Very old petrol-driven rotovator, engine needs work but all moving parts move. Contact: 0775 229 3138. 2-seater three piece suite, never sat on. Electric fire with artificial fire effect, hardly used. Contact: Mr Fisher on 01644 430 493 until 6 August; thereafter, contact Sarah on 07727 127 997. Trampoline. Contact: 01644 430 380. FOR SALE Set of 15 blue and white antique plates in varying sizes. Not valuable but I can date these around 1912. £20 for the set. Contact: Sue on 07563 718 011. Small under-counter fridge. Good condition, about four years old; £20. Contact: 07876 353 557 after Monday 5 August (I can help with removal if necessary). Spalding Bowling Club Spalding Bowling Club in Dalry held its open triples competition. Pictured are (left to right): Runners up Scott McCubbin, Emma Russell, Trudy McCubbin, club president Elizabeth Peacock, Steve Papworth who presented the prizes to the winners, Eddie Harris, Daisy Davidson, Craig Cobbledick (Ayrshire) on behalf of the sponsors Clachan Inn, Dalry, and W Johnstone & Son of Crocketford. Valerie Russell “I will certainly be running my ad in the Glenkens Gazette again. It has generated a good deal of interest, and brought in business already." Ian Glenkens Agricultural Society Annual Show Saturday 17th August 2019 Newfield Farm, Dalry Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Poultry, Horses, Show Jumping, Fancy Dress Pony, Pets & Dogs, Crookmaking, Refreshments, Schedules from Judith Cowie on 07743 004 189 or judith_2006@hotmail.co.uk Gordon McAdam New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Plumbing & Heating HOUSE REPAIRS JOINERY 22 Kirkland Street St John‛s Town of Dalry Semi-retired Furniture Maker & Builder in GLENKENS AREA 01644 430 393 07834 321 789 Call Pete on 07970 462 088 ...special rates for inclusion of tea, cake and friendly banter... Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by GLENKENS CLIMATE CAFE A cafe with a difference is coming to the Glenkens. Starting in October there will be a Climate Cafe during the autumn which will provide anyone who is interested with the opportunity to share their feelings and concerns about the climate crisis confronting us. Anxiety about climate change is widespread but what can we do as individuals? Gathered informally in small groups in the Climate Cafe, we will be able to explore what we can do, as individuals and with others. Climate change need not be a taboo subject. Having the conversation can be empowering and energising and reassures us that we are not facing this challenging subject in isolation. The Glenkens Climate Cafes will be held in CatStrand on Sunday afternoons. Admission is free but booking is required. The usual range of teas, coffees and light refeshments will be on sale. The Climate Cafe is organised by the Glenkens Climate Group, part of the Stewartry Climate Group. Dates will be announced in the next Gazette. Growing Greens in New Galloway New Galloway’s resident ‘flower fairies’, Linda Garretty and Marion Briggs, have gone a massive step further in their gardening efforts this year. their annual scattering of colourful tubs and baskets of summer flowers. This year they have also conjured up wooden planters containing all manner of edible herbs, flowers and vegetables. Taking inspiration from the national Incredible Edible initiative which aims to encourage communities to grow and celebrate local food, New Galloway’s very own Galloway Greens was sprouted. Then, with a bit of help from their gardening friends, and The ‘fairies’ keep the village looking some extremely generous donations beautiful with a lovely and wellfrom local businesses, charities and maintained community garden and one very special personal donation, timber was bought, planters were made, seeds were sown and now, after a lot of hard work by all concerned, the planters are producing a leafy array of green goodness! The Galloway Greens planters have been placed in eight New Galloway’s resident ‘flower fairies’ and their helpers.... accessible and well-walked locations around the village. Folk are welcomed and encouraged to help themselves to what they need – lettuce and rocket leaves for salad, a bit of broccoli or a few carrots and mangetout for dinner, or just a sprinkle of parsley for those lovely new potatoes you just bought at the New Galloway Community Shop. Pupils and adults from Kells School have visited Marion in her polytunnel and have been learning how to ‘prick’ out young seedlings, a skill that will be very useful when tending their own productive school garden. Some of those children who live in the village are going to be busy watering our new little green gardens, and any help that anyone can give with watering the flower containers along the High Street would be most welcome. If you look carefully, you will see that each planter carries a small plaque naming one of the sponsors of the project. Galloway Greens would like to thank the following people for their interest, generosity and support: Martin & Green, Builders, Castle Douglas. Rembrand, Dalbeatie. Natural Power Consultants Ltd, Dalry. Marc Henklemann, Architectural Services, Kirkcudbright. Russ & Jill Russell, formerly of Greenhead House, New Galloway. Andy McQuaker, Contract Services. New Galloway Alternative Games Fund. Bute-II-Full Garden Centre, Castle Douglas. Glenkens Gazette page 6 New Galloway Celebrates More than 80 residents and friends of New Galloway gathered in the Town Hall for a Pie and Baked Tattie Supper to celebrate the second anniversary of New Galloway’s Community Shop. It was great to share the company of many familiar faces and also to welcome some of the newcomers who have joined the community in the last couple of years. While guests enjoyed the meal served by committee members and helpers, a programme of entertainment was staged, compered by Anne Errington. Performers included Andrew Biellinski, Scottish songs; Andrew Frew, poetry; Bill Wiseman, hurdy gurdy; Dante Newberry, piano; Ellen Biellinski, violin; Fiona Edgar, violin & piano; Florrie Newberry, piano; ‘Geoff of Dunscore’, recitations and Rory Newberry, piano. It was heartening to be reminded that we have so much talent, of all ages, in our community. New Galloway Community Enterprises Ltd (NGCE) now operates two 4-star self-catering holiday lets and a community laundry in addition to the shop. As a community benefit society, NGCE is owned by its 250 members but, with a view to building up resilience for the future, the evening also saw the launch of an Open Share offer to give residents and friends of New Galloway and Kells the chance of buying shares and becoming members if they have not already done so. NGCE would like to thank Community Shares Scotland for sponsoring the launch, our Community Engagement Worker, Sam Rushton, and Margaret Watson for devising and organising the event, all our very able performers and everyone who helped before, during and after the event. Pictured: Top Participants formed a procession led by piper, Ian Wemyss, which made its way from the shop to the Town Hall at the start of the event. Right - Story-teller Anne Errington was one of those who entertained the residents and friends of New Galloway during the Supper. THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY � 01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS � Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 7 THANKS TO GUERILLA GARDENERS The beautiful garden at the New Galloway town sign is really lovely this year, all courtesy of our ‘guerilla gardeners’. The flower bed is stunning, and I just wanted to give a shout-out of thanks in the Gazette to let the gardeners know how much it is appreciated. Nicky GLENKENS ROUTE Thursdays: 12noon-1pm – Crossmichael 1-2pm – Parton/Loch Ken Holiday Park 2-4pm – Balmaclellan area 4-5.30pm – The Hidden Road Fridays: 8-10.30am – Dalry 10.30-11am – Glenlee Area 11am – New Galloway 12noon – New Galloway Shop 2pm – Mossdale area 3-4pm – Laurieston to Gatehouse Please note that all times are approximate. 07966 103 912 charliecoid@hotmail.com Fleet Fish aims to provide top quality produce which is sourced as locally as possible. We take pride in offering friendly door-to-door service tailored to our customers’ needs. Glenkens Gazette PICNIC IN THE PARK 2019 This year’s Picnic in the Park in New Galloway was another great success, despite the rather damp conditions. number of table-top games and a stall. One of the most popular activities of the afternoon was the Pet Show, also organised by the school. Pets, including a hamster, a rabbit, a chicken and lots of dogs, entered classes such as Waggiest Tail, Best Six Legs and Pet the Judges Would Most Like to Take Home. Kells Primary School helped with The stocks were once again this year’s event and organised a popular with various unfortunate but brave people being soaked with wet sponges! Races were organised by Sam Rushton and her helpers, and included a three-legged race and eggand-spoon races. Glen Urr came along with their ice cream van, there were strawberries, Visitors enjoying this year’s Picnic in the Park. ULTRASOUND PREGNANCY SCANNING ����������������� �������������������������������� ��������������������������������� ��������������������� ����������������������������� For bookings and info: Duncan Kennedy 07860 474001 dk@passcan.co.uk www.passcan.co.uk page 8 Pimm’s, prosecco and a BBQ. Fabby Cakes also had a stall with their cakes, pasties and sausage rolls. The committee would like to thank everyone who supported the event and those who donated things and helped on the day. We are planning to use some of the donations to renovate the seats in the village, and possibly also purchase another picnic table for the park. As always, any donations will be put back into the community. Next year we are hoping to arrange a special event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE day. Instead of a picnic, we are planning a Party in the Park, similar to the street parties that took place 75 years ago. Everyone in New Galloway and Kells Parish will be invited and there will be a tea – which might just include Spam sandwiches! There will also be games for the children and music from the 1940s. This is still in early stages of planning but if anyone knows of events that took place in New Galloway in 1945 please do let us know and we will try to re-enact them. Joan Walker, New Galloway Celebratory Events Committee Glenkens Gazette page 9 CatStrand Highlights CatStrand and our partner venues have some great events coming up over August and September in the Glenkens. Our Movie in the Park is back on Sunday 18 August - bring a deck chair and wrap up against the drizzle for The Way Way Back (12A), a film which promises “the best two scenes ever filmed on a waterslide” (The Atlantic). The screening will start after dark, around 9pm, in New Galloway Park. Samson Sounds lead the charge in Scotland's world dance music scene. Catch them with guest vocalist, Tom Spiral, at Dalry Town Hall on Friday 16 August as part of Dalry's new live events programme. The Dalry Film Club are back with a selection of big-hitters in September. Bohemian Rhapsody (12A) will screen on Wednesday 4 September, and comedy Stan and Ollie (PG) on Wednesday 18 September. Blackbird Opera perform The Marriage of Figaro as part of their regional tour following months of rehearsal at 'Ai the Arts' on Sunday 25 August. A Play and Piece returns on Thursday 19 September with a one-act play fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe, Hindsight, performed by local company Fox and Hound. Starting at 1pm, the play ticket includes your ‘piece’ and a drink. World class Scottish folk graces CatStrand's auditorium in these late Summer months; BBC Radio Scotland Young Trad Musician finalist, Iona Fyfe, performs Aberdeenshire rooted ballads with her trio on Saturday 17 August. Musical geniuses and old friends, Ross Ainslie & Tim Edey, combine talents for a special show at CatStrand on Friday 30 August, and acclaimed Orcadian four-piece Fara offer up their “tumbling cascade of Northern Isles fiddle” (Folk Radio) on Saturday 7 September. Queen of the South fans should get their tickets booked for an Samson Sounds archive screening event on Sunday 1 September. Join CatStrand's own Brian Edgar for an evening of vintage matches, sharing of more recent action, photos and recollections of heroes past and present - during the evening Brian, who has been a loyal supporter of the club for the latter half of its existence, will attempt to explain why! Catstrand’s Summer Youth Programme Our youth summer programme has started and it’s jam-packed with workshops, trips and events for young people, most of which are free. From gaming to photography, printmaking to magazine creation, we’ve got it covered. All are welcome, so pop into the youth booth or CatStrand for a brochure. Some events to look out for are included below. Football Heroes: Meet the Author and Kickaround (Mon 12 Aug, 13pm, ages 7+, booking required): Join the author of the Ultimate Football Hero series - Matt Oldfield - to hear the incredible stories of Pick up a CatStrand Youth Summer programme from retail outlets around the Glenkens. your favourite footballers and their journeys from playground to pitch. This will be followed by the ultimate football match where you’ll get to represent your favourite player. Will De Gea save the day or will Mbappé shoot his team to victory? There’s only one way to find out! Dragaoke Night (Wed 14 Aug, 7.30pm start, ages 12+): Featuring local drag queen Devine Tension, this will be an evening of amazing outfits, superb lip-synching and all the glitter. If you’re interested in seeing how Devine transforms herself, come along to her makeover session beforehand. Movie in the Park: The Way, Way, Back (Sun 18th Aug, 9pm film start, ages 12+): Our annual film night in New Galloway Park returns with this coming-of-age story about a young introvert who finds unexpected refuge and friends in a local waterpark. The BBQ will start around 8pm and remember to bring something to sit on! In September, we’ll be on the lookout for new youth volunteers to join our team. If you’re in S1 or above and interested in the arts, get in touch with katy@catstrand.com or pop into CatStrand for a chat. Glenkens Gazette page 10 Unusual Glenkens Garden Visitors I have had some new visitors to my garden for the last few weeks...pine martens. People who have seen my pictures of them seem really interested. Most folk have never seen a pine marten and if they have it is only one or two. I thought others might be interested to know that we have these rare creatures here in New Galloway. I am really fortunate to live on the edge of the Galloway Forest and have a wonderful variety of birds and other wildlife visiting the feeders in my garden. I looked out at about 9am one morning and my first thought was “that’s a very big squirrel”, I soon realised that it wasn’t a squirrel and after a quick look on good old Google was sure it was a pine marten. I have never seen one in the 25 years we have lived here so knew little about them, hence some more investigation on the Scottish Natural Heritage site. It seems they are quite rare and at one time were almost extinct in Scotland except in the north but there is a small reintroduced population here in Galloway. A week after my first sighting I saw them again so set up a wildlife camera that I hadn’t used for some time. They are now coming regularly and there seems to be a family of three youngsters. Some of the videos are quite funny with one trying to open the lid of Pine marten at the feeder in Joan’s garden. the feeder while another is sitting on it, on others one will also prey on grey squirrels as they are sit on the lid while another has slower than red squirrels so that is his head in the box! They are mainly good news. I still have plenty of red nocturnal but I do see them early squirrels, when the pine martens head morning and in the evening. off to bed the squirrels come to see if I understand that they will take they have left them plenty of nuts! young birds which is a shame though I feel very privileged to have so I think the ones visiting me will much interesting wildlife - the feeder have plenty food with the amount of in question is only six metres from my peanuts they are eating! They also house. catch mice and rats and apparently Joan Walker THE GARDEN SPOT OK…hands up who got caught out by the late frosts and cold nights in May! (My hand is up, by the way.) The last few years have been kind to us gardeners; when the weather turns warmer (and usually wetter) for the first time in May, we have got away with putting out our pots, tubs and baskets, and planting out our tender veg. But not this time. Night time temperatures during May were consistently cold, down to plus three to plus five in new money. That’s not a frost I hear you say; no, but low soil temperatures meant that stuff just didn’t get going (see how late the tatties were at coming up) and many of the ornamentals took a ‘check’ and just sat there in a huff for several weeks. Yes, I did bring my pots, tubs and baskets in for the night when it looked like going down to five Celsius or below, and that helped. But I couldn’t do much about the runner beans and sweet corn that I had planted out. They got badly frosted and even the fleece wasn’t enough protection. Fortunately, I had a backup set of plants coming along in the greenhouse – in a good year I don’t need them so they get given to friends or the charity shop, but this year I needed them and planted out for a second time in late May. I had seed left so I planted up a third lot in the greenhouse. Just as well, because rabbits got in and demolished my second planting – such is the lot of the gardener. Rabbit proof netting and warmer nights at the start of June, saw the third set planted out and are now all doing well. So, what am I saying? Well, have a plan, and a backup plan. If you have to go to the backup plan, create a new backup plan, it certainly saved my season. It did give me a chance to see how cold affects different plants though. Runner beans were truly frosted and they turned limp; after a day or two they turned brown and were destined for the compost bin. My sweet corn turned very pale green, then yellow and almost white so they followed the beans. With some other plants, the leaves turned a purplish colour or curled up – most of them grew out of it OK. Having now dug my early tatties (doesn’t that leave the ground dry?) I will now be adding some compost and fertiliser, watering well and planting out with some late season veg and salads: lettuce, callaloo, pak choi, Japanese onions. But before that, a mass of dead-heading and weeding. Pots and baskets are at their best just now and the garlic is the best I’ve ever had, so there are always rewards. The Intrepid Gardener Rabit-proof sweetcorn. Glenkens Gazette page 11 NEW GALLOWAY GOLF CLUB New Galloway Golf Club is enjoying a great summer, not least was our Captain’s Day celebrations held in June. The day began with the now annnual 9-hole Junior competition for the Les Burton Trophy. The winner, once again, was young Chloe Aitken with a fine net 31. However, much praise must go to Sophie Roberts who, although still under 10 years of age, played her heart out to come a close second with an amazing net 32. Following the juniors the main event took centre stage, playing for the Jack McQueen Trophy and, once again, the ladies were to the fore. The winner, although only on the last 6 holes, was Janette Davidson with 38 points, with Marena McClymont second also on 38 points. The Gents quaich was won by Scott Jamieson with 38 points. The Junior quaich was won by Fiona McQueen, who shot a fantastic 37 points. Following the main event, the traditional Junior parent putting Prize winners on Captain’s Day. competition was won by young Hector McCulloch and his Mum. Once again the members all contributed to an amazing buffet and we would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to make the day a huge success. The Club's ladies have recently had much success outwith the club with the vice captian, Marena McClymont, and Anne McQueen winning the Southerness Open, and Elena Rogers and Erica Porteous in the prize list at the Dalbeattie Open. Our Junior coaching programme continues to be very popular with up to 20 children attending every Saturday morning and our coaches continuing to work in the local schools. Ian Brown A Lifetime Love of Motorbikes I was brought up surrounded by motorbikes, my father being a motorcycle engineer at a time when few families owned cars and most people got around on a bike. I love to see all the old models brought out for their summer airing each year – especially if there's a chance of a close-up look and a chat with the owner. Nostalgia on Two Wheels On our winding roads each springtime Touring 'neath uncertain skies, Vintage British motorcycles Made with pride in years gone by. From their winter hibernation Matchless, Douglas, BSA... Royal Enfield, Francis Barnet... To the hills of Galloway! Oh, the sight of them reminds me Of the happy days of yore, When we travelled round the country With our Ariel Square Four. Chromework polished to perfection, Paintwork gleaming, lamps all bright, James, Excelsior and Norton, Oh what transport of delight. Once to grimy work they took us, To the factories grim and grey. Now they cruise in sleek retirement Through the hills of Galloway. by Sue Wiseman (with apologies to anyone whose favourite bike I have left out...) Glenkens Gazette page 12 A reader, inspired by the theme of the new regular Crossing Words page (opposite), has shared with us this special piece of writing about her own ‘crossing point’. The subject of the piece is the bridge beside her garden, and was written while on duty as a CatStrand cafe volunteer, during the Glenkens Writers' Cafe. The Writers’ Cafe meets every second Thursday of the month from 7–9pm, and anyone interested in writing is welcome to come along – it’s free and no booking is required. A Moment in Time Millennia ago, ice and snow covered the Rhinns of Kells and, slowly as a toe nail and as unstoppable as time, a glacier grew, pushing its dirty toes along the Polharrow river bed, ploughing deeply and cutting corners as it went. Time passed; the weather warmed and gradually the glacier and its icy toes withdrew leaving behind its load of rocks and clay. Streams boisterously replaced it. Time passed; people came to the valley; time passed and farming began. People chose the places with lush growth and running water. They found the boulder clay and built their houses nearby. They named the streams. Time passed; the population grew; fewer children died; education was decreed and so a school was built on the road above the Polharrow Burn. Pupils came from up the glen and over the hill. Bare foot in summer time; shod in winter. Their path was blocked by drystone dykes, so stone stiles were built in. A footbridge was required for those crossing the Crummieburn from Crummypark; so stout oak was found and the bare feet no longer slipped on treacherous boulders. Time passed; pupil numbers fell from over 40 to just a few and wheeled transport was available to take them to school in Dalry. The Schoolhouse became a home and in 1980 we came to Crummypark. We rebuilt the ruined house and delightedly found the neglected wooden bridge. For years it served us well and we cherished and repaired it; children played under and over it; we walked across to visit our neighbours in the schoolhouse. But one wild winter, raging water swept it away. New folk now live in the rebuilt house. They feel no need to cross the burn. Perhaps future inhabitants will rebuild. Time continues to pass. by Rhoda Rugg *Spelling note: The burn and holding are variously called Crummie, Crummy or Crombie. Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Top: repairing the bridge. Above: the bridge with the schoolhouse is visible in the background. Glenkens Gazette page 13 Glenkens Gazette page 14 This page is sponsored by the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Sch For further details contact McNabb Laurie, Gall Glenkens Gazette page 15 heme, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Dumfries & Galloway Council. loway Glens Team Leader, on mcnabb.laurie@dumgal.gov.uk Glenkens Gazette page 16 The Stewartry Bird Watchers Are you interested in birds and other branches of natural history? If you are, why not come along to the Stewartry birdwatchers’ meetings? Since 1976 members and friends have held their monthly meetings from September to April in Kells School, New Galloway. Officially we are called the Stewartry Branch of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club (SOC). All are welcome. Although we have the word Brown noddy on Cousin Island, as featured in the talk on 19 September © Crystal Maw, RSPB.. ‘ornithologist’ in our title we are not a scientific body with dry-asdust speakers - rather should the emphasis be on the word ‘club’ with friendly and informal meetings. Throughout the year the more active members also go birdwatching to interesting locations on the coast as well as inland, weather permitting of course. Those new to birdwatching are especially welcome to come along and be helped in identifying the birds we find. The first half of our 2019-20 programme has three talks about Scotland and one about an inspiring conservation project overseas. We start on Thursday 19 September when Crystal Maw, who has been site manager of RSPB Scotland’s Galloway Reserves for the past seven years, will give her talk entitled Cousin Island: From Coconut Plantation to Ground-breaking Nature Reserve. This island is one of the group of islands which make up the Seychelles in the western Indian Ocean. On 10 October Tom Byers will talk on Dynamite in the Dunes: A Natural History of the Ardeer Peninsula - a subject much closer to home. This former industrial site in north Ayrshire has been reclaimed by nature and although it has the richest biodiversity in the region with an incredible 1,200 different species of plants, animals and birds, 30 of which are nationally rare, it is threatened by developers. On 14 November Stan da Prato, a former president of the club and one of the editors of the club’s magazine Scottish Birds, will give his talk entitled Wildlife of the East Lothian Coast. It should be interesting to compare the birdlife of that eastern coast with that of our Solway coastline. Brian Smith, former chairman of the Dumfries branch of the club, will speak on 12 December on Bobby’s Sand Martins and a Constant Effort Site. Bobby Smith is a retired farmer who built an artificial sandbank in 1994 at Applegarthtown between Lockberbie and Lochmaben where 17,000 young sand martins have been ringed over 25 years. If birds and all aspects of the countryside interest you please come along to our meetings – and bring your friends along too! Non-members are always welcome. To find out more, contact chairman, Jeremy Brock, on 01557 815 098 or secretary, Joan Howie, on 01644 420 280. Glenkens Gazette page 17 The Sound of Brass Returns to Carsphairn The sound of brass will be returning to Carsphairn Church when Kilmarnock Concert Brass perform a summer concert on Saturday 24 August in aid of church funds. The concert will start at 7.30pm and light refreshments will be served during the interval. As in previous years, there will be no admission charge, but donations at the door are requested. Kilmarnock Concert Brass was near extinction five years ago, but past and present members rallied round and the band is now, once again, a thriving musical group under the baton of Scott Walker, renowned for its varied and entertaining concert programmes. Pictured: Kilmarnock Concert Brass cornet players at the Scottish championships in March. Look who wandered into Wright’s Shop the other day... Wright’s Shop & Post Office CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR 2019 - three changing cask ales & cider - fresh, seasonal & local food - open all day every day - award-winning food, beer & atmosphere - en-suite accommodation - 20% off takeaway discount - country sport & walkers facilities - 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk Dalry’s local convenience store • licensed grocers • • newsagents • stocking a range of local suppliers • Express Bakery bread • • Irvings biscuits & cakes • • Ballards & Dalmellington Country Butchers meat & pies • • Mitchells fruit & veg • Shop & Post Office open 7 days Monday to Friday 7am–6pm Saturday 8am–6pm Sunday 8.30am–4pm Tel 01644 430 225 Glenkens Gazette page 18 Balmaclellan Quarterly Newsletter Balmaclellan has its very own newsletter. Denise MacDonaldKiernan tells us a little bit about what inspired her to start it... I started the quarterly Balmaclellan newsletter for two reasons. Firstly, I thought that it was important to tell the whole of Balmaclellan what we in the Community Council were doing on their behalf; hopefully, this may encourage people to give us ideas and feedback even if they didn’t come to meetings, and perhaps join in activities to improve our community. Secondly, I wanted everyone in Balmaclellan to be interested in our area as a whole. There is often a perceived divide between those that live in the village and those outside. I wanted to show that we are keen to involve everyone in whatever way is comfortable for them; it is not just about coming to a meeting once a month (although that is important for us to make things happen), but it is also about learning, enjoying and appreciating where we live, the individuals that live with us, and how to help each other. In the newsletter, I like to include a variety of articles about what is happening in the area and the talents, interests and experiences of our residents. I’ve really enjoyed doing the newsletter although I have to say that as it gets towards each deadline, I panic because I haven’t got enough to include - even when I’ve got ideas, turning them into the finished thing can take forever (or so it feels); therefore any ideas or articles from other people are gratefully received. This is why, with the May newsletter, I wrote something to encourage people to help; I believe that I could choose anyone at random in Balmaclellan and there would be something interesting to write about them concerning their outlook, history, where they live, even a day with an unusual pet! The newsletter is given out in print hardcopy as many people say they don’t have access to the internet. People can ask for it to be in larger print or read out to them if they need that. When we take the newsletters out, I am reassured that people are interested in it, and we have even heard from people in New Galloway and Dalry who are eager to read it. I’d like to think that in some small way it helps people to value our community and show that they can make a difference. I would like to thank all those who have given me ideas or written for the newsletter. I would also like to show ROWAN HOLIDAY COTTAGE GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE Map showing, outlilned in black, the Balmaclellan Community Council boundary. General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway 4 Star Rated - Sleeps Six Dog friendly - Private Parking Secluded Garden FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL 07503 958 710 01644 420234 An ideal base for exploring Galloway... my gratitude to my husband who, as I am blind, has to help me collate and distribute the newsletter, along with my tolerant 14-year-old son who helps to put some through letterboxes. I have helpers because of my physical disability; one has a car which is higher off the ground than ours, so I pay her mileage to take the newsletters along the more difficult farm tracks. Two people from the Community Council have also helped deliver them. As there are elections in October, I don’t know if I will be in post after that. The newsletter was my idea and I pay to print and deliver it myself, so it might not continue after October, but while it does, I hope at least some of the community carry on enjoying it. Denise MacDonald-Kiernan Glenkens Gazette page 19 GOING WILD AT THE GARROCH The Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership has been running a pilot project titled Go Wild. It’s a free summer outdoor activities programme focused on discovering, exploring, conserving and sharing wild places. During these sessions for children, young people naturally develop skills, confidence and a love of being outside in our amazing natural environment. During one of the sessions children from the Glenkens are exploring Garroch Estate, Dalry, by kind permission of Nick Roper-Caldbeck, whose grandmother used to run an outdoors group on the estate for local children called ‘The Wolves of St. Francis’. Go Wild is also taking place at Threave Estate, Castle Douglas, (in partnership with National Trust for Scotland) and Barrhill Woods, Kirkcudbright, each one giving local children the chance to participate, including free transport. The children gain a John Muir Discover award in the process, presented in September at a friends and family event. Young folk enjoying the Garroch Go Wild session. Galloway Gaelic in the Glenkens The Oran Bagraidh project, produced by Katch Holmes as part of Knockengorroch Off Site’s programme, showcased at Knockengorroch Festival and also at Lagwyne Hall in Carsphairn. The concert, part of D&G Arts Festival and in association with CatStrand, was a huge success with the Carsphairn event being a sell-out. One audience member comments: “The performance of Oran Bagraidh was compelling. A diverse group of musicians from all corners of the UK, brought together and fusing in a surprising and wonderful evening combining ancient sounds with unique musical creations. It felt like you were kept on the edge your seat right to the end, never knowing quite what to expect next.” As well as the performances and the music CD created through the project, Oran Bagraidh musicians, along wiith local musicians, teachers and gaelic organisation Feis Rois and CatStrand, also hosted a children’s workshop. Pupils from p4-7 from Glenkens schools were taught the song Bruthaichean Beinn Beithe, inspired by the Galloway Gaelic song Oran Bagraidh written by Rody Gorman and set to music by Kate Howard. Also Oran Bagraidh performers Josie Duncan and Griogair Labhruidh taught the children elements of gaelic music. The Carsphairn concert was supported by CREFL and D&G Unlimited. Top: Children’s workshop. Above: Oran Bagraidh performance in Lagwyne Hall. Glenkens Gazette page 20 SPEAK O’ GALLOWAY GLENKENS TONGUES CONFERENCE I am very fortunate The Speak o’ Galloway is a one-day conference on the Scots language spoken in the south west. It is the latest in a series on the languages of Galloway, following last year’s highly successful event focussing on Gallovidian Gaelic. The event is being held on Saturday 7 September in the CatStrand, New Galloway. THOSE TAKING PART INCLUDE: - Prof Jeremy Smith discussing Language & History in southwest Scotland. - Margaret Ferguson, author of Haud Yir Tongue and Mind Yir Language: A Sociolinguistic Study of the Distinctive Accent of South West Scotland. - Derrick McClure, discussing John Mactaggart’s Scottish Gallovidian Encyclopedia. - Chris Rollie, discussing Bird Names of Galloway. Rab Wilson, suthor Scots Language and Cormilligan, Today & Tomorrow. - Speakers of the Galloway Speak have their say: What has happened to our language and does anybody care? The event will be chaired by Professor Ted Cowan and Michael Ansell. Tickets are priced at £30 (students £20) and include coffee and a buffet lunch. To book tickets, contact CatStrand on www.catstrand.com or 01644 420 374. to have been born and brought up in the Clachan (Dalry) in the 1940s, when our local words were always used. Our local tongue and dialect have always been close to my heart - to hear the different ways of saying certain words really is something. It was so good for us all when the late Tommy Edgar and the late Robbie Murray both wrote poems about the area. Their verses brought out an excellent use of our local dialect. Tommy's verse Peter used a selection of Glenkens dialect such as: hae (have), yin (one), wae (with), thair lane (on their own), nocht (nothing). In Robbie Murray's Toon o' Dalry again many local words were used: gane (gone), wi' (with), fitba (football), pipled (piebald), guid (good), aye (always). Unfortunately with the changes in population, not so many folk now know our local words. I’m looking forward to the Speak o’ Galloway event when we will be able to listen to and discuss our local words. Hilda McAdam In Galloway the Nicht... Inspired by the work of Glenkens poet and songwriter Logan Paterson (1951–2013), an event titled ‘In Galloway the nicht…’ is being hosted by Ken Words as an evening of chat, songs, tunes and poems with Jo Miller and friends. It’s an opportunity to enjoy the living ‘speak’ of Galloway, as it comes, in the informal setting of the Ken Bridge before the Glenkens Story Scots Galloway Conference at CatStrand the following day (see details above). Logan had an eye for the beauty, and hidden facets, of the gem he believed the Glenkens to be. He was a modest man who didn’t seek to put his writings ‘out there’ for publication and we are very fortunate that some of his work has survived to help keep alive the centuries-old tradition of local poets and songwriters writing in Gallovidian Scots. Logan’s brother, Dave Paterson (landlord of the Ken Bridge Hotel), tells how “Logan had a great desire to keep the stories, the lore and the characters of the Glenkens alive and vibrant,” adding, “I hope this event will instil that desire in others. Logan wanted the folk of the Glenkens to appreciate living here and to let it inspire them.” Come along, 7pm till late on Friday 6 September, and join Jo Miller and friends in the relaxed setting of the Ken Bridge Carvery Room, with bar to hand. So that you can enjoy a drink or two, there will be a free minibus taxi-service running between 10pm and midnight, offering lifts home within the Glenkens. Tickets are £5, available from CatStrand (01644 420374). Any queries please contact Jane McBeth on the above number, or email jane.kenwords@gmail.com Mist has quaitened doon the glen, bringing peace tae everything. My bairns the finest in the land, in Galloway the nicht. Clouds are girdled roon the moon, sit on Millyea like a croon. My wee bairnies coorie doon, in Galloway the nicht. from Galloway Lullaby by Logan Paterson, 1993 (“for my boys”) Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN From Galloway to Arbroath We seem to have become deeved daily by the kindly word, ‘community’, whether in association with our own community councils or the European Community. Both of these community bodies often appear at times to be intent upon displaying fierce internal disagreements which are the opposite of the communitarianism that stresses the individual’s responsibility to the community and family. The word can refer to the people of a country or a district who collectively share social values and responsibilities. Common or Commons (as in House of) derive from the same root as community, as do words such as commune which come to us through Latin and French. Plants, like humans, live in communities. In medieval Scotland there was significant reference to The Community of the Realm of Scotland particularly around the period of the Wars of Independence 12961371, when the very survival of Scotland seemed to be in danger due to English aggression. The Communitas Regni Scotie has been described as denoting ‘the totality of the king’s free subjects, but also something more than this; it meant the political entity in which the Scots and their king were comprehended. It was in fact the nearest approach to the later concept of a nation or nation state that was possible when a kingdom was, first and foremost, the fief of its king’. Does any of this matter to those who once lived and now live in the Glenkens community? Robert Heron of New Galloway in writing his lengthy ‘History of Scotland’ thought so. He returns to the subject and status of community again and again to mark important historical junctures. He believed that there was much more to historical investigation than kings, queens and battles because just as importantly profound changes were taking place all the time, deep in the fabric of society. Indeed this is one of the many fascinations of studying the work of Galloway writers and historians, namely that they have a tendency to investigate the experiences of the folk that seldom get mentioned. Heron, like most historians, recognised Robert Bruce’s success in the Wars of Independence as one of the great turning points in Scotland’s history. ‘All the individuals, and all the different classes or incorporated bodies, in the nation, however distinguished from one another by diversity of powers, situations and duties, composed but one grand Community’. The laws and obligations which defined and established members of the community and the officers defending these rights were all viewed in their relation to its political constitution. ‘These demanding that he put pressure on the English king to cease his warlike activities and recognise Robert Bruce as rightful King of Scots. The propagandist document stated that if Bruce should ever submit to the English (an inconceivable notion) the Scots would drive him out as an enemy and subverter of his own rights and ours ‘and we would make some other man able to defend us our king’. This was the first explicit statement in European history of what is now known as the ‘the sovereignty of the people’. Bruce, hard-pressed as he was, had been forced to agree that just as the people could depose an unfit king so they could appoint his successor. Famously the document went on to state, ‘For as long as a hundred of us remain alive, we will never on any conditions be subjected to the lordship of the English. For we fight not for glory nor riches nor honours, but for freedom, which no good person gives up except with life itself’. Such inspirational and humane ideas have echoed down the centuries of Scottish history. During the wars an association appeared briefly in the records known as the ‘Community of Galloway’, an early use of the term, which demanded and received certain concessions from the king, in this case Edward I because most of Galloway opposed the Bruce claim to the kingship. The Declaration of Arbroath was accepted into The Unesco Memory of the World Register in 2016. Next year many of us will celebrate the 700th anniversary of the Declaration and with it the Scottish regard for individual and national freedom, as well as the continuing inspiration of the democratic intellect. ● For much more in-depth discussion of some of the matters mentioned here see Cowan, For Freedom Alone; The Declaration of Arbroath, 1320. “..the first explicit statement in European history of what is now known as ‘the sovereignty of the people’ “ all together represent the Commonwealth or social union and interests, to him who wishes to examine the nature of his public duties’. In his view the growing sense of community equated with historical progress. Heron was one of very few men of the eighteenth-century Scottish Enlightenment to praise the ideas and arguments in a remarkable document of 1320 known nowadays as The Declaration of Arbroath, first surfacing as a letter in Latin written to the pope by ‘the whole community of the realm of Scotland’, Glenkens Gazette page 22 Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Keith Brander with Stroanfreggan Sunset. Keith wins an evening meal for two up to the value of £30 at the Ken Bridge Hotel. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “A wonderful selection of pictures again. We have chosen Stroanfeggan Sunset, a lovely emotive picture with the sheep pens in the foreground and the old building framed by a beautiful landscape.” How to Enter: any photos taken in the Glenkens can be entered - landscapes, wildlife, portraits, action shots... Email them to glenkensgazette@hot mail.co.uk If you are a winner the Gazette will send you out a voucher - please call the Ken Bridge to book your meal, and make sure to take your winner’s voucher along with you. Glenkens Gazette page 23 ROBIN SET TO HIT Thanks THE ROAD AGAIN from the Not long Scouts after putting his feet up since his last fundraising trek, Robin Hood is ready to set out again. Pictured is the latest soldier statue which has been made to accompany Robin on his hike, carved by chainsaw out of £3,500 worth of cedar wood. This fundraising journey will take Robin from John O'Groats to Dumfries via the Caledonian Canal - a trek of just under 340 miles. On behalf of the Glenkens Scout Group we would like to thank our committee, friends of Scouting and parents who helped make our 2019 jumble sale such a success. We would also like to thank all who donated items and to those who came along and purchased goods. Last but not least, a mention must go to the Cub Scouts and Beavers themselves – they worked tirelessly towards the sale and were a credit to the Scout movement, their scout leaders and parents, and we are very proud of them. The total raised was an amazing £1,011.60. Thank you again for your support, it is much appreciated. Heather, Hannah & Doug, Cub Scout Leaders and Diana, Tim & Chrissie, Beaver Leaders Glenkens Gazette page 24 A SPLASH OF COLOUR Abbas Rest FOR DALRY’S FOUNTAIN Coffee Morning The fountain in Dalry is looking particularly splendid this year, offering a lovely splash of colour for locals and visitors passing through to enjoy. Residents would like to say a big thank you to the village’s very own flower fairy, Jane Trueman. Thanks Jane your work is much appreciated and enjoyed! 28 September Dalry Town Hall 10am-12noon Help towards raffle, bottle stall and baking for both stall and teas would be gratefully appreciated. Please contact Avril Brown on 01644 430 526 Winner of the New Galloway Town Hall Survey prize is Shona McKenna. Thanks for all your support Shona. Ros Hill, LING 26 Main Street, St John’s Town of Dalry Open Tues-Sat by appointment: 01644 430 525 07876 397 725 MACMILLAN COFFEE AFTERNOON Thursday 3rd October, 1-4.30pm 10th August 7th September 10am-12.30pm For further information or to book a stall ring 01644 430 454 or visit www.dalrytownhall.co.uk Entrance by donation - proceeds towards Dalry Town Hall Refurbishment Fund North of Castle Douglas, A713 Ayr Road We couldn’t do this event without our amazing bakers and helpers - this is truly a big team event and great fun! Tea, coffee, cake and chat - come in and say hello. All welcome... Glenkens Gazette page 25 Glenkens Gazette page 26 AUGUST & SEPTEMBER AUGUST Sat 4, Alternative Games, 2pm, New Galloway Park, see p28 Mon 5, Dalry Police Station Dropin, 5-6.30pm Sat 10, Glenkens Farmers Market, see p24 Fri 16, Samson Sounds featuring Tom Spiral, 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Sat 17, Iona Fyfe, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 17,Glenkens Show, see p4 Sun 18, Movie in the Park, 9pm, New Galloway Park Sun 18, GTI Bus Trip, see p25 Wed 21, Open Stage, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 23, deadline for applications to Blackcraig wind farm communty fund, see p2 Sat 24, Words Live, 2.30pm, CatStrand Sat 24, The Sound of Brass, 7.30pm, Carsphairn Church, see p17 Sun 25, The Marriage of Figaro, 2pm, CatStrand Fri 30, Ross Ainslie & Tim Edey, 7.30pm, CatStrand SEPTEMBER Wed 4, Dalry Police Station Drop-in, 1-2.30pm Fri 6, Pot Luck Supper, see front page Fri 6, Jo Miller & Friends; In the Galloway Nicht, 7pm, Ken Bridge Hotel, see p20 Sat 7, Speak o’ Galloway Conference, CatStrand, see p20 Sat 7, Tour of Britain Cycle Race, see p2 Sat 7, Glenkens Farmers Market, see p24 Sun 8, deadline for entrants for Battle of the Bands, see p7 Sat 14, Glenkens Food Trail, see front page Sat 14, GTI Bus Trip, see p25 Sat 21, Glenkens Feastival, see front page Sat 21, Exhibition: Sean Watson (Mossdale), 10am-4pm, Castle Douglas Town Hall Sat 28, Community Celidh, see front page Thurs 19, Cousin Island: From Coconut Plantation to Groundbreaking Nature Reserve, see p16 Sat 21, Exhibition: Sean Watson, 10am-4pm, Castle Douglas Town Hall Sat 28, Abbas Rest Coffee Morning, Dalry Town Hall, 10am-12noon, see p24 OCTOBER Climate Cafe, see p5 Thu 3, Community Council Elections, see p3 Thu 3, Macmillan Coffee Afternoon, 1-4.30pm, Hair by Jayne, Main St, Dalry, see p24 Galloway Glens Summer Programme - see centre spread (p14&15) ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS Glenkens Community Shop: Contact Shirley McNaught on 07955 743 022 or drop by the charity shop on Main Street, Dalry on julia.higgins55@outlook.com Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING): Contact Ros Hill on ros.hill@rathanhouse.co.uk Schools: Pop into the school office or call Carsphairn on 01644 460 269, Dalry on 01644 430 105 (for Nursery, Primary & Secondary) or Kells on 01644 420 340 Dalry Communities Properties Trust (DCPT): Contact Andi Holmes on andiholmes@hotmail.com or 07729 292 126 Dalry Town Hall: Contact Jim Reid on 01644 430231 New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE): Contact Sam Rushton on 07741 656601 or samCEW@ newgallowaycommunity.shop or pop into New Galloway Community Shop Balmaclellan Community Trust: Contact Julia Higgins CatStrand: Contact Chris Jowsey at chris@catstrand.com 01644 420 374 or pop in to the CatStrand Bright Stars - Glenkens Community Nursery: Contact glenkenscommunitynursery@gmail.com Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP): Contact McNabb Laurie on mcnabb.laurie@dumgal.gov.uk If you would like to add your community organisation to this list please get in touch with the Gazette - contact details are on the back page. Glenkens Gazette page 27 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Film Makers’ Club, Mon 7-8.30pm Exercise to Music: Mon 9.3010.30am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time) 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris Dance 2: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time) 4.30-5.15pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, 1st Tues of the month, 6-8pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab, Mon (term-time) 7-8.30pm, ages 12-18 Animation Club, Tues 4-6pm (starts 12 Feb then fortnightly) Gentle Tai Chi: Wed 10am Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed 2-3.30pm Game Tech, last Wed each month, 6-8pm Writers’ Cafe, 2nd Thurs each month 7-9pm Sing it Out, Thurs 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes, 1st & 3rd Thurs each month, 1–3.30pm Yoga, Tues 6.30-7.30pm & Thurs 9.15-10.45am Learn the Whistle, (starts 28 Feb; 8-week block. Ages 412 - 3.45-4.30pm; Age 12+ & Adults - 5-6.30pm). Contact chris@catstrand.com to find out more Zumba Gold, Fri (term-time) 9.3010.30am, CatStrand, 16+ Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry: Paint & Art, Mon 2-4pm (moving to NG Town Hall from end April) GCC Playgroup, Tues, Wed & Thurs 9.15-11.45am Guides, Tues 6-8pm Yoga, Wed 7.30-8.45pm, for info call Carylann on 07817 400 287 Brownies, Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts, Thurs 79pm Thursday Craft Group, Thurs 24pm Glenkens Children’s Club, Fri 10am-12noon New Galloway Town Hall: Glenkens Art Workshop, Mon 24pm (restarts 26 Aug) LING Elevenses & Lunches, Tues 11am-2pm Fast Broadband Access, Tues 11am-2pm Moving On Up with CD IT Centre (offers help with filling in forms), Tues 2-4pm Table Tennis & Carpet Bowls, Tues 7-9pm (restarts 2 after summer) Circuits, Tues 5.30-6.30pm Zumba, Wed 7.30-8.30pm, 11+ Circuits, Sat 8-9am Various Locations: Hatha Yoga, Mon 10-11.15am, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Carsphairn Post Office, Tues 1-3pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Dalry WI, 3rd Tues each month 2pm, Dalry Town Hall (except Jun, Jul & Aug) Beavers, Tues 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training, Tues & Thurs 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Mossdale Painters, Wed 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH TIMES CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sunday Services: Balmaclellan 10am: 1st. Carsphairn 11.15am: 1st,2nd,3rd, 4th. Carsphairn 10.30am: 5th(Sept). Dalry 10am: 2nd(Aug), 4th. Dalry 10.30am: 2nd(Sept). Kells 10am: 3rd. Kells 10am: 3rd. Special Services/Events: United Family Service, 8 Sept, 10.30am, Dalry Church followed by bbq at Dalry manse. United Harvest Thanksgiving 29 Sept, 10.30am, Carsphairn Church, followed by harvest lunch in Lagwyne Hall. Communion Service: 1 Sept, 10am, Balmaclellan Church SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed. CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Kirkcudbright: Sun Mass, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sat Mass, 5pm. A Chat, A Cuppa & A Cake, Wed 10am-2.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Dalry School Community Choir, Wed 3.30-4.30pm, Dalry Secondary School Cub Scouts: Wed 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Youth Writing, 1st Thurs each month (during term time) 3.30-5pm, ages 10-15, Dalry Library Kettlebells, Balmaclellan Village Hall, Thurs 6-7pm Carsphairn SWI, 3rd Thurs of the month, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, for further info call Christine on 01644 460 577 Coffee & Craft, Fri 9am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Bridge Hotel Scouts, Thu 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dru Yoga, Thu 12.30–2pm, Laurieston Village Hall Gentle Tai Chi, Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall Golf Junior Coaching, Sat 10-11: 30am, New Galloway Golf Course, see p8 Restoring Footpaths, Sat 10am1pm, phone 420 632 to confirm Junior Golf & Come-and-Try for all ages, New Galloway Golf Course, Sat 10am Men’s Shed, Old Smiddy, Balmaclellan. Opening times: Mon 9.30am-4pm & 6.30-8.30pm; Wed 9.30am-1pm & woodcarving from 24pm; Fri 9.30am-12noon. Dalry Library Tuesdays 10.30am-2pm Fridays 11am-4.30pm For further informa�on contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 28 Local Community Transport Operation Broadens Horizons In the latest development in a local transport success story, New Galloway-based Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) is about to expand its horizons to be able to benefit more people in the local community than ever. In 2001 the then recently-formed Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) acquired a minibus to help local people get to and from events and activities at the CatStrand. Over the years the bus was used by growing numbers of people for an increasing range of purposes. A second and then a third bus were acquired in due course and, collaboration with Dumfries & Galloway Council, led to GTI working with Councilowned buses to provide school transport and other services. GTI provides regular services to Castle Douglas, Newton Stewart, Ayr and Carlisle as well as excursions to places of interest and minibus hire to a wide range of community Holehird Excursion with happy GTI passengers. organisations. Galloway Community Transport More recently, in cooperation with (GCT), a Scottish Charitable the Dumfries & Galloway Community Constitute Organisation (SCIO). Transport Public Social Partnership There will be new livery on the (DGCPSP), GTI has been operating vehicles and a new website Galloway a very successful patient transport Community Transport but GCT will service carrying people referred by remain one of the GCAT group of the Scottish Ambulance Service to organisations but with improved hospitals in and outwith the region. GTI’s area of operation has gradually operational flexibility. New services will follow in due course. expanded and it was realised that For more information see a re-branding was required. As of www.glenkenstransport.org 1 September 2019 GTI will become WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk OCT/NOV COPY DEADLINE: 5 SEPT Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.co.uk The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 113 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_113 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2019 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/258/GlenkensGazette112.pdf 30f8588b87e8d3741e0337678a00cbd1 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 112 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE News from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry June/July 2019 ISSUE 112 FREE FANTASTIC FOOTBALL FOR GLENKENS SCHOOLS TEAM The Paul Jones Football Festival, created with support from the Paul Jones Bakery in Kirkcudbright, is an annual event organised by D&G Council’s Active Schools and Community Sport Team in the Stewartry and is open to all Stewartry Primary schools. Kieran and Jack, who are in the Glenkens Primary team, tell us a bit about how things are going: This month oue football team have been competing in the region’s Paul Jones Festival. We have been working hard at this club since January. When the Paul Jones Festival began, the first match for the Glenkens was in Kirkcudbright where five matches were played. Glenkens played against Crossmichael, Auchencairn, Cluster All The Glenkens Primary football team - back row, left to right: Jamie, Jack, Alex, Joe, Sam and Christy. Front row, left to right: Karol, James and Kieran. Stars, Gelston and Kirkcudbright Girls. The team came home with two wins. The week after, Dalry hosted the event. In Dalry, we played three matches against Twynholm, HLS Rovers and HLS United. The team did a fantastic job and won two of their matches. Throughout the tournament they displayed super team work skills and a positive attitude. Kieran Jardine & Jack Peacock, P5, Dalry Primary School – for their continued support. “This was our fifth separate award in as many years and especially rewarding as it was in a very tough category in which we were up against nine other establishments.” Most recent of these other awards are the Community Tearoom of the Year award from the Scottish Food Awards & Academy and then winning the Best Café category of the 2018 Dumfries & Galloway Life Awards. A big contributor to this winning streak has been the introduction of internationally-themed pop-up bistro evenings on the last Friday of every month. The move has been a big hit with both villagers and tourists to the Glenkens. Paul Smith and Lindsay Duncan of Carsphairn Tearoom, with daughter Courtney. Another Award for Carsphairn Tearoom Lindsay Duncan and Paul Smith are celebrating once again after winning yet another accolade for their Carsphairn shop and tearoom business. The duo attended the Scottish Café Awards at the Marriott Hotel in Glasgow in May with their daughter Courtney to collect the award for the Best Café in south-west Scotland. Said a delighted Lindsay: “We are over the moon at achieving this latest success and would like to thank all our customers – locals and visitors alike A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 Town Hall Asset Transfer Viability As the June/July issue of the Gazette is published, the Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) Board will be hearing the results of the public survey which took place during May. The survey forms were delivered to around 400 houses within New Galloway Burgh and Kells Parish. An afternoon and evening drop-in was held at the Town Hall to talk directly to the consultants to find out more about plans and to give opinions. The survey was also able to be completed on-line. Other local groups were contacted for their views. In June a draft feasibility study, including architectural reports will be presented to members of the board and by the end of July we hope to have a final feasibility and business plan. LING has been managing New Galloway Town Hall for three years and the board is keen to see the hall brought up to modern standards particularly relating to accessibility to the upper main hall and upgrading toilet and kitchen facilities. Although LING has been active and successful in terms of smaller amounts of funding for the hall and the purchase of the small car park, it is impossible to gain funds for large projects when we don’t own the property or have a longterm lease. With grants from the Heritage Fund, the National Lottery Awards for All and the Architectural Heritage Fund, LING was able to contract independent consultants, Creetown Initiative, to carry out this study. Ros Hill, LING Chairman A CHAT, A CUPPA AND A CAKE Balmaclellan Village Hall is now open every Wednesday between 10am and 2.30pm for folk to come together and catch up. Enjoy a chat over a cuppa and a cake, and come and try your hand at different crafts. Entry is £3 and includes refreshments. Soup and roll at lunchtime are available for a small additional charge. Everyone is most welcome, including children although they must be accompanied by an adult. There will also be a sales table available for craft sales - a 10% commission will be charged on each item sold. During the next few weeks we will be establishing a community library and we plan to invite guest speakers and organisations in the future. We are also looking for volunteers to help on the day. If you would like more information on what’s going on in Balmaclellan, please contact Julia Higgins on juli a.higgins55@outlook.com or 01644420297, or Ailsa Malone on ailsmalone@aol.com. Please contact Julia Higgins if you require transport to and from hall for events or activities. Julia Higgins, Chair, Balmaclellan Community Trust Spalding Bowling Green Opening Day President Elizabeth Peacock welcomed everyone to Spalding Bowling Green Opening Day. Our new Honorary President, John McNally, threw the silver jack and the first bowls of the season (and had a toucher with his first bowl), then declared the green open. In total 32 people took part in a very enjoyable opening day. Valerie Russell Spalding Bowling Green Opening Day. Glenkens Gazette page 3 Clachan Pub of the Year WEE Second Year Running SCHOOLS The overall MATTER winner of the Campaign CAMPAIGN for Real Ale (CAMRA) Dumfries & Stewartry Pub of the Year 2019 is the Clachan Inn in Dalry which also took the Stewartry area pub award. Trevor Hayward presenting the certificates to Phil Papworth and Laura Burnie of the Clachan Inn. Photograph by Alan Glass. This is the second year in a row the Clachan has taken these titles. Chairman of the local branch of CAMRA, Trevor Hayward, explained how the CAMRA awards have been decided: "We have around 120 members in our branch and they are all invited to vote for their nominated Pub of the Year. We then take all these nominations along with beer scores submitted throughout the year via the CAMRA Whatpub system for the quality of real ale being sold to decide on the winners. “Our Dumfries and Stewartry branch region is large, so we split the voting into three areas: Dumfriesshire, Dumfries Town and the Stewartry and select three area winning pubs as well as one overall winner". The Clachan Inn now goes forward to the regional heats to select Scottish winners to go into the national CAMRA Pub of the Year competitions. Parents at Brydekirk Primary School, near Annan, have started a campaign called Wee Schools Matter, and are asking for support from across the region to highlight the importance of rural schools. This is in response to the recent council decision to increase the cut off point for one-teacher schools to 25 or under - so any primary school whose roll falls to 25 or less will become a one-teacher, singleclass school. We understand that councillors are looking at ways to help mitigate the cuts, but in this climate it’s essential that we keep the importance of rural schools high on the agenda, and meanwhile support our schools in every way we can. You can add your support to their petition at www.weeschoolsmatter.org Kells Parent Council DALRY SCHOOL COMMUNITY CHOIR Dalry School is starting a community choir - and would like to invite you to come along! The choir will meet on Wednesdays from 3.30-4.30pm, in the music room in Dalry Secondary School. All ages and abilities are welcome - if you enjoy singing, or even if you have never tried before but want to give it a go, you’re very welcome come and see what you think. Singing is a wonderful way to uplift the spirits and de-stress, and the beautiful thing about singing in a choir is the harmony of voices together - so much more than one voice alone, and really energising to be a part of. The repertoire is mixed, and will be tailored to meet the skills and interests of participants. Instrumentalists are also welcome - we’ll adapt to suit; if you enjoy making music as part of a group, we’ll fit you in! Just come along as and when you can - there’s no regular commitment necessary. For further details get in touch with Sue St Joseph at gw08stjosephsue@ea.dumgal.s ch.uk or call the school office on 01644 430 259. Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk OFFERED Wildlife of Britain Magazines, 135 magazines in 9 folders. Contact: 07547 606 792 FOR SALE Rare pine trees, Pinus Coulteri or Coulter Pine. Potted one-year-old saplings. £8 each. Contact: bcaenter prises@hotmail.co.uk Native willow tree cuttings, fast growing, great for hedging or firewood cultivation. Cut fresh from healthy trees, £5 per bundle of 10. Contact: bcaenterprises@hotmail.co.uk Sky+ box and remote control in working condition. Contact: Nigel on 07774 778872 Saddle rack, green, £5. Dutch gag bit, 5.5” with French link, £8. Numnah, faux sheepskin, cob size, washable, brown, £8. Ladies’ white shirt with collar for tie, size 10/12, £4. All items nearly new. Contact Sue on 07563 718 011 FITBIT CHARGE 3, advanced fitness tracker, still in box. Half price - now £65. Contact 07909 374 231 or murieldevlin@icloud.com NOTICES WANTED Garden trolley for use with loose parts play at Dalry Primary School. Contact: 07727 127 997 available for hire at £5 per hour, and has tea-making facilities. Contact Rev David Bartholomew on 01644 430 380 or DBartholomew@ churchofscotland.org.uk Gordon McAdam, Dalry-based plumber, would like to dispell local rumour that he is winding his business down, and let folk know that he is still operating in the Glenkens in the area of plumbing and heating. Dalry Church Session House is “My ad in the Gazette has only been in for one issue but it’s been great, I’ve had loads of responses. I’ll definitely run a series of ads next season, based on the success of this one." Ewan DUNCAN’S SHOT FEATURES IN NATIONAL RSPB CALENDAR Glenlee photographer Duncan McNaught has been chosen by the RSPB to have his award-winning photograph Welcome to my Humble Abode featured in their 2020 calendar. The RSPB’s Inspiring Nature photography calendar 2020 will be for sale across the UK from July, and Duncan’s photograph will represent the month of November. To the right is Duncan’s photograph, winner of the 2017 Smithsonian Photo Contest, which will be featured in the calendar. Gordon McAdam New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Plumbing & Heating HOUSE REPAIRS JOINERY 22 Kirkland Street St John‛s Town of Dalry Semi-retired Furniture Maker & Builder in GLENKENS AREA 01644 430 393 07834 321 789 Call Pete on 07970 462 088 ...special rates for inclusion of tea, cake and friendly banter... Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by LOCAL SUSTAINABILITY Climate Change Sustainability is extremely important if we want to help prevent climate change. Climate change is caused by excess greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, which are produced by pollution. Pollution is caused by factories, deforestation, vehicles and people not recycling. Because of climate change the Earth is expected to be two degrees warmer by 2050, and because the Earth is warming many animals are suffering and could go extinct because their habitats are being destroyed. Dumfries & Galloway Recycling Scheme In 2012 the Dumfries and Galloway authorities tried to come up with a scheme to become more sustainable - however, it failed miserably. The authorities purchased many recycling bins and bin lorries for this scheme, but the scheme never happened, and now thousands of bins and lorries are sitting in warehouses. The scheme failed because there was a limit of one bin per household. In 2017 we found out that over £300,000 is being spent on the storage warehouses. There is a new plan that started in Wigtownshire in 2014 in which you can have multiple bins per household. This is most certainly a good thing because it will mean that less money is being spent on storage. Also, having more bins around will promote recycling in the area and help stop global warming and stop the poor animals suffering. The Strikes Recently hundreds of thousands of pupils all over the world took part in a strike about climate change. There have been big protests in London, Brighton, Oxford and Exeter. The main group that helped coordinate these protests have four main demands. The first is that the government should declare a climate emergency and the second is that they should inform the public about just how serious the situation is. The third is that the curriculum should include information on “the ecological crisis” and the fourth is that the age of voting should be lowered to 16 so younger people can express their opinions on the matter. An example of one of the smaller protests is that hundreds of pupils from the local school of Kirkcudbright marched around their hometown, chanting and campaigning for the end of climate change and gathering local attention on the matter. Now there is even a club at Kirkcudbright high school for educating people on climate change. What Can You Do? Some things that people can do are to turn off unneeded switches. Energy conservation is one of the most important things you can do, and it brings your electricity bills down! Invest in eco-friendly technology and switch to renewable energy; it’s very easy and will help a lot. Don’t waste food! Using up the planet’s resources for food and then wasting it is very bad. Finally, recycle everything you can to help stop pollution. Pollution is the main factor of climate change. Conclusion In conclusion, our planet and the animals on it are severely suffering because of humans’ lack of sustainability. We believe that it’s of utmost importance that people work together to be more environmentally friendly, in order to save our planet. Recycle everyone!!! by Grace T & Tamsin S, CatStrand Work Experience Pupils Glenkens Gazette page 6 COULD YOU RUN CLATTERINGSHAWS VISITOR CENTRE? Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre is located on the banks of Clatteringshaws Loch, on the Queensway towards Newton Stewart. Situated on the edge of the Glenkens, not far from New Galloway, it’s the perfect location for an afternoon out with the family. Park by the loch, take a stroll or a cycle to Bruce’s Stone, pop into the cafe for lunch... Except the visitor centre and cafe have been closed now since last season. The centre is owned by the Forestry Commission, and they are putting it out to tender again, in the hope that someone will take it on and make a go of it. For folk in the Glenkens, it is such a great location to visit – near the wild goat park and the red deer range, Murray’s Monument and the mountain biking routes through the forest around the Palnure Burn. Wouldn’t it be amazing if someone local took it on and made it into somewhere truly great to visit? Perhaps selling simple, View over Clatteringshaws Loch by Stuart Littlewood. local food – even just home baking with activities run from the centre. and good tea So...does anyone out there fancy and coffee, maybe soup and making a success of this little sandwiches... A community visitor centre with huge potential? group perhaps, or local business To find out more about taking branching out? Previously the on the tender for Clatteringshaws centre had really successful Visitor Centre, visit www.publicc stargazing evenings, and during ontractsscotland.gov.uk or email the day RSPB activities for children. rhiannon.naismith@forestryandla The Galloway Glens scheme have nd.gov.scot or call 0131 370 5229 projects running and potential for as soon as possible to register your more heritage and environment interest. elements, which could tie in nicely Celebrate & Share It is now two years on from saving New Galloway’s last shop from closure. Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries In light of this, New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE) Ltd is inviting everyone to a Celebrate & Share event - a pie and baked tattie supper - in the Town Hall on Saturday 22 June. We will not only be celebrating our thriving community shop but also the opening of our selfcatering apartments - recently awarded 4 Star status by Visit Scotland - our community laundry, and our expanding community engagement programme which now ranges from an oil-fuel buying cooperative to activity events and information services. Celebrate & Share will run from 6-8.30pm, is free and open to all ages, and entertainment will be provided by local musicians and performers. Please ‘bring-yourown-bottle’ if you fancy a tipple, and let us know you are coming so that we buy enough pies and tatties! NGCE Ltd is a community benefit society, owned by its members who are all residents or friends of New Galloway and Kells. At our Celebrate & Share event we will also be relaunching our Commuity Share Offer to give anyone who is not already a member the chance to be part of our exciting project. Look out for posters with more information. Please let us know if you are coming - and book your pie by emailing samCEW@newgallowaycommunity.shop, texting 07741656601 or leaving your name in New Galloway shop. Sam Rushton, Community Engagement Worker, New Galloway Glenkens Gazette page 7 Launch of Blackcraig Wind Farm Fund The Glenkens & District Trust (GDT) is delighted to report that the Blackcraig Wind Farm Fund will be open for applications this summer. Following on from a number of discussions with the owner of Blackcraig Wind Farm, plans are well in hand to get initial payments out to Community Councils and to open the main fund for applications in June. This will enable awards to be made before the end of 2019. Blackcraig Wind Farm Ltd has agreed to provide an annual payment totalling £264,500 and this is expected, but not guaranteed, to last for 25 years. They have decided that the fund should benefit the communities served by the following ten community council areas: Balmaclellan, Balmaghie, Carsphairn, Corsock & Kirkpatrick Durham, Crossmichael & District, Dalry, Dunscore, Glencairn, The Royal Burgh of New Galloway & Kells, and Parton. This total area is called the fund catchment area. Foundation Scotland, an independent grantmaking charity, will carry out the administration and governance. They carry out a similar role for a number of wind farms across Scotland and bring a wealth of experience with them. To assist with some initial and immediate spend, each of the ten Community Councils in the fund catchment area will shortly receive £2K. Balmaclellan Community Council will receive an additional £2k in recognition of the fact that Blackcraig is located in their area. The main fund will open in June and GDT will make the decision on the awards from it. Working with Foundation Scotland, GDT will also draw up the criteria and strategy for the fund and monitor spending. GDT is a separately constituted legal body and run by a board of trustees made up of individuals appointed by its Community Council members and chaired by an independent chairman. All of the above Community Councils are members, other than Glencairn and Carsphairn. When carrying out their role as trustees, they must act in the best interests of the trust. The trustees are working closely together with a clear objective to make our wider community more sustainable and to enhance the opportunities for those living and working in the area over the longer term. By working together we can ensure the money from the Blackcraig Fund is used to make the whole area stronger which will benefit our wider communities. We are delighted that this vision is shared by the owners of farms. This means that as long as that arrangement is in place, projects that will benefit residents of the Glencairn Community Council area will not be eligible for funding under the Blackcraig Main Fund. Groups establishing or running projects that benefit the residents of Carsphairn Community Council area can apply for funding from the Blackcraig Main Fund, but Carsphairn Community Council has also decided not to join GDT at this time and to leave GDT to make the decisions. We will however ensure that we work closely with them and keep them informed. We intend to have regular meetings with them and with Carsphairn Renewable Energy Fund Ltd (CREFL). The fund will open for applications in June. GDT and Foundation Scotland are finalising information including criteria, priorities and application and guidance material to enable the fund to be launched (see Diary section at the back for dates of drop-in sessions to provide support for applicants). All parties involved in this recognise that our communities have waited a long time for this fund to be available and that there is likely to be considerable demand. We are focussed on making the process straightforward, fair and transparent but are also realistic that in this first round there are likely to be teething problems that will need to be resolved. There will be regular review meetings to ensure we all get the best for our communities. It is fantastic that we have, at long last, got to this stage and, by building on what we have achieved over the last few months and continuing to work together, we can all make a real difference to our communities. If anyone has any questions you can get in touch with GDT chairman Fiona Smith at fiona.smith1@btinternet.com Fiona Smith, chairman, GDT By working together we can ensure the money from the Blackcraig Fund is used to make the whole area stronger which will benefit our wider communities. Blackcraig Wind Farm as demonstrated by their choosing to work with GDT in this way. Glencairn Community Council has decided that they do not wish to become a member of GDT. The Glencairn Community Council has made separate arrangements with the owners to administer a sum for their area in line with arrangements they already have in place for community benefit payments from other wind THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY � 01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS � Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 8 CATSTRAND’S NEW YOUTH ARTS COORDINATOR I am thrilled to have joined the CatStrand team as the new youth arts coordinator, and have really enjoyed getting to know our young people so far and experiencing some of the amazing art provision that is offered here, from animation to filmmaking to writing and dance. It has left me with lots of food for thought. Having recently moved to the region from Sheffield where I was teaching, I have been made to feel very welcome in the community, so thanks to everyone who has said ‘hi’. I’m currently trying to collect as much information as I can about talent in our region, so if you do know of any artists or musicians available to work with young people, let me know! My email is katy@ catstrand.com Katy Billington, Katy Billington by the Youth Booth, New Galloway. Glenkens Gazette page 9 CatStrand Highlights As the Glenkens starts to warm up, CatStrand is getting ready for a summer of outdoor adventure theatre, dreamy folk, punchy jazz and high energy ska topped off with a smattering of international cinema, poetry walks and opera. Our local villages, towns and communities will be delivering their own arts programmes over the coming year, with the support of the Glnekens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT), so look out for feedback cards for your local programme which have been placed around the villages for you to have your say about programming in New Galloway, Carsphairn, Dalry, Balmaclellan and Crossmichael. As well as our summer Youth Arts programme – running in July/August - we’ve got plenty for families to fill those long summer days. The Garroch Estate plays host to an interactive outdoor theatre experience for families; Call to Nature (Sat 22 June) starts on minibuses as you set off on an adventure to hunt for mystery eggs in the woods. Back at CatStrand we have a great line up of international artists to light up your summer calendar from German dancer Elisabeth Schilling, who returns to CatStrand with her latest interpretive show and installation inspired by touch (Fri 21 June) to Danish duo Andreas Tophoj and Rune Barslund (Fri 19 July) whose melting pot of sounds offers a new interpretation of the Danish folk tradition. Hailing from closer to home, we have some of the best musicians Scotland has to offer including the magical and charismatic Aberdeenshire singer Iona Fyfe (Sat 17 Aug) fresh from Celtic Connections. Ross Ainslie returns with old friend Tim Edey for a sure to be sell-out summer set (Fri 30 Aug) and local lads, Muckle Spree, serve up traditional melodies that groove into the digital age in a laidback Sunday afternoon session (Sun 26 July). If you’d rather be in the cinema, whatever the weather, we have exclusive screenings for film lovers, including award-winning Swedish family film Cloudboy (Sat 21 July) and a sublime Willem Dafoe narrated and Australian Chamber Orchestra accompanied documentary Mountain (Tue 24 Sept). Get out your deck chairs for our teen Movie in the Park: The Way, Way Back (Sun 19 Aug) complete with barbecue in New Galloway Park. Dalry Film Club bring the big hitters Bohemian Rhapsody (Wed 4 Sept) and Stan & Ollie (Wed 18 Sept) delivering a cinematic experience, with tea and cake, in Dalry Town Hall. We look forward to sliding into these summer months with our audiences new and old, soaking up some sunshine on the way to exploring new venues and enjoying an array of great events across the Glenkens. The summer is special in Galloway and we’re looking forward to greeting visitors and showing off what our communities have to offer here at CatStrand and around our village venues - lush scenery, fabulous community spirit and a sparkling array of spectacular arts and culture events taking us right through to September. Enjoy - and get those sandals on...summer is here! Aidan Nicol, Arts, Culture & Heritage Manager, CatStrand Our full brochures are available now from CatStrand, or take a look online at www.catstrand.com Cloud Boy CALLING ALL YOUNG PERFORMERS! We’re holding a Youth Open Stage night at CatStrand for young folk on Monday 15 July at 7.30pm, and we want YOU to take part. Whether you’re into song, slam poetry, spoken word, DJ-ing or anything else musical and linguistic, we’d love to see you on our stage. Hosted by the amazingly talented singer-songwriter Kate Kyle, this will be a relaxed and welcoming evening. Come along, add your name to the list and bring your pals! CatStrand Youth Players are holding their summer show on June 14 at 7.30pm. Join us for an evening of theatre and see what our young actors, directors and stage experts have been working on. Katy Billington, Youth Arts Coordinator Glenkens Gazette page 10 HAIR RAISING FUNDRAISING Local lad Daniel Roberts has raised a whopping £510 by shaving his head for charity. Having made the decision to support cancer support charity Beatson, Daniel set his mind on shaving his hair off to raise funds. Daniel’s mum, Chrissy, said: “The local shops did a fantastic job of collecting for us, and the Glenkens community were very supportive. A big thank you to everyone who donated, to the shops for having the sponsor forms in, and to Jayne at Hair by Jayne for making the shave run so smoothly - excuse the pun!” Daniel Roberts handing over the cheque to Beatson Cancer Charity. GLENKENS ROUTE Thursdays: 12noon-1pm – Crossmichael 1-2pm – Parton/Loch Ken Holiday Park 2-4pm – Balmaclellan area 4-5.30pm – The Hidden Road Fridays: 8-10.30am – Dalry 10.30-11am – Glenlee Area 11am – New Galloway 12noon – New Galloway Shop 2pm – Mossdale area 3-4pm – Laurieston to Gatehouse Please note that all times are approximate. 07966 103 912 charliecoid@hotmail.com Fleet Fish aims to provide top quality produce which is sourced as locally as possible. We take pride in offering friendly door-to-door service tailored to our customers’ needs. Glenkens Gazette page 11 400 Mile Charity Walk Glenkens-based Robin Hood achieved his fundraising target of £50,000 raised for veterans. Robin towed Jock, an 18 stone, eight-foot statue of a first world war soldier carved out of Douglas fir, from Dumfries to London, a 400 mile journey. The purpose of the journey was to raise money for local charity SWS RnR and also to pay homage to the many people who lost their lives in WW1. Robin, who runs the charity, said: “I had to think of something that would make us different, and this certainly makes us different. People will remember this forever and a day. They’ll say ‘are you that nutcase who pulled that piece of wood for all that way?!’” The money Robin raised will go towards training veterans as HGV drivers with the aim of providing them with a new career, and hopefully a new lease of life, while also filling the national gap in lorry drivers. From the Galloway Glens Scheme Desk: Jude Crooks, Galloway Glens Administrator At the point of print for this issue of the Glenkens Gazette I have been working for the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership for just a little over year. They say time flies when you’re having fun, and I cannot believe a year has passed already - which means we are into our second year of a five-year scheme, almost 20% completed! My role within the Galloway Glens Scheme is primarily to support the co-ordination and implementation of the scheme. This involves a variety of tasks and activities but mainly centres around financial elements such as drawing down funds from the Heritage Lottery Fund and supporting project partners to access allocation of their grants from the Galloway Glens Scheme. I would hope by now, as we are a year underway that you would have had contact with a staff member, a project partner or with one of the superb army of volunteers who are working on Galloway Glens funded projects? If not, and you need to contact the scheme, I am most likely to be your very first point of contact. It sounds like I do not get away from my desk very much, but this is not the case – the role is so diverse I am often out and about liaising and supporting project partners. The most exciting part of my role is coordinating the ‘Our Heritage’ Small Grants Scheme which has £100,000 in total earmarked by our Partnership Board to be awarded. The Small Grants Scheme seeks projects that support our efforts to ‘connect people to our heritage’ by providing opportunities to support emerging projects, which align to the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere Principles and the six Galloway Glens themes. If you are interested in making an application to the ‘Our Heritage’ Small Grants Scheme or would like to get in touch please do not hesitate to contact me on jude.crooks@dumgal.gov.uk or 07500 107 696. Robin Hood in Hexham. Glenkens Gazette page 12 A poem written by Barbara Buchan of Glenlee. A Galloway Englishman’s View of Brexit Oh to be in Scotland now that spring is there With the gambolling lambs and the prancing calves and the dance of the mad March hare. To see the woods where the snowdrops peep and later the bluebells adorn, Oh, I’m glad to be in Scotland, the land where I was born. In times past we knew no foe, an empire gained by overthrow, The referendum choice was clear, we don’t want any foreigners here, A campaign based on lies and deceit, there were no facts, just indiscreet Suggestions, we’d be better off, but don’t include the working class, Confronted with a barrage, of promises from Nigel Farage, And the likes of several ‘well heeled’ men, never mind Beethoven, roll over Tony Benn. MY SCOTLAND Oh to be in Scotland now that summer’s there To see the fields so gold and green and the blossom everywhere. The birds on wing, and feeding young, so bright their feathers shine, It makes one glow with inner pride to be here in summertime. Oh to be in Scotland now that autumn’s there To see the heather on the moors, a blue haze everywhere. While from mountain crag the quiet of dusk is cleaved by a raucous call, As the stag proclaims, the land as his, proudly to one and all. Oh to be in Scotland now that winter is there While blizzards blow and the cold North wind sends each to his own snug lair, Where faces gleam as the fire glows red and young slippered feet make their way to bed, Oh, I’m glad to be in Scotland - to the land I am lovingly wed. by John Fenner The ‘Out’ campaign, to seize their chance, to cut us off from root and branch, Have sailed into a choppy sea, it’s just not Parliamentary, The PM’s name is becoming hazy, is it Theresa or is it Daisy? A puppet in the Cabinet, you hear them cry it’s time she went, I’ve had enough, I’m feeling ill, from across the Channel no good will, From their perspective what a lark, the M20’s a lorry park. You may leave soon "goodbye, chin chin", but just you try to get back in, Jacob, Boris and their crew have knocked the UK all to skew, The voters thought of World War II, stand all alone, it isn’t new, But Churchill’s gone and in his place we have a ghastly carapace, And in the web we all are caught, common sense just counts for naught. Destroy the trade of thirty years, fight and squabble with our peers, And in the end what will we have, expensive paper for our lavs, A blue passport that’s laughed upon, "please wait here it won’t be long", And now that the end is near, we’ll all be crying in our beer, That’s if we have some beer to drink, I think I’ll pour mine down the sink. But in the north across the border, the Scots perceive this grave disorder, They live in a most friendly land, to one and all, extend their hand, But now they find that ‘Number 10’, in parenthesis, has spoke again, You voted not for this divorce, but we’ll remove you too by force, So, dear Scotland wave the flag, lest your spirits start to sag, And look forward to your proper station, as an independent nation. Book Review: The Man Who Changed Everything Paul Goodwin reviews The Man Who Changed Everything by Basil Mahon: Why didn’t we know this before? I was amazed by this biography of James Clerk Maxwell, the most famous man you never heard of. Much more than just a biography, this book tells of a boy from Glenlair, near Parton, largely taught by his mother, who became a man admired by men of science the world over - Einstein even had a picture of him on his wall. Although the book of necessity contains much science, much of it remains accessible for those without such a background; with tales of the man, his life, his tragedies and his legacy. The author skilfully paints a picture of a remarkable polymath, weaving stories of James’ life and tragedies around his scientific achievements. Surprises unfold throughout the book, including his interests in philosophy, biology and chemistry and pretty much everything else that came to his attention. And, perhaps most surprising in a scientist, he was a devout man of God. His achievements ranged widely across the field that we now know as physics, from an early paper on the stresses of bridge trusses to producing the world’s first colour photograph and from an important paper on the rings of Saturn to his most important work on the nature of electromagnetic waves. Not that he spent all his time with his professors and his students. He was also known for his (free) talks to working men; “a farmer recalled how the professor had stood one of them on an insulating mat and ‘pumpit him fu’ o’ electricity’ so that his hair stood on end”. The book contains examples of his poetry in local Galloway dialect and extracts from his letters, one of which concerns a fellow professor’s excessive brevity and had me chuckling aloud. Some may consider this book to be a misguided blend of a biography and text book, but if so, the shortsightedness is theirs - take up the challenge and read on. James would not be bound by the presumptions of his predecessors and I urge you to be open-minded and accept the book for what it is. I, for one, will put this onto my bookshelf to be reread in the future and to keep as a reference. With buildings named after him in London and Edinburgh, a telescope in Hawaii, a memorial outside Parton Church (where he is buried) and a statue in George Street, Edinburgh, James’s career is taught in schools across the world, seemingly everywhere except Britain. On finishing the book, I was left with one clear thought: “Why didn’t I know this before?” Glenkens Gazette page 13 Galloway Glens Business A Glenkens Gazette page 14 The Galloway Glens scheme has been running its Business Academy for four months now, in partnership with Business Gateway Dumfries & Galloway. Maximising the income from your Accommodation Business At the first event in January, Ronnie Bradford of Brookford B&B, Jo Blaylock of SuperControl Booking Systems, Dane Smyth from Lets Go D&G and John King from Business Gateway D&G spoke to accommodation providers about maximising the income from their accommodation business. Ronnie spoke about the importance of working together to increase the In that time, it has hosted three tourism potential of the area – he events, all aimed at different sectors considers his competitors to be in of the local economy. This is in line the Lake District or the Highlands with one of the Galloway Glens’ and Islands, not Dumfries and two main aims - that of supporting Galloway. He also emphasised the sustainable rural economies, and to importance of going the extra mile better connect people with our local in giving guests the experience they heritage. are looking for. This includes doing 68 people in total have attended research into the amazing area that the three free events which were we live in such as the Biosphere, held in the Clachan Inn in Dalry, the Forest Park or the Dark Sky then in Kirkcudbright Galleries and Park, and both using these in your lastly in Mr Pook’s Kitchen Castle marketing and also being able to Douglas. People who attended found give advice about how to access them to be packed full of technical them. detail of specific relevance to their Dane then spoke about what your business or organisation, with a social media and website should be range of excellent speakers. doing for you. He also emphasised using the many natural resources of the area as a pull for visitors, with great photos and links. He then gave an overview of the insight that Google analytics can provide for you, about where your website users are coming from and how long they stay on your page. Jo gave some fascinating insights into when and how people book their holidays now. 81% of people now book online, and 40% of those bookings are made between 6pm and midnight – so an easyto-use booking system with real-time availability can make the difference between people booking with you or moving to the next property. Lastly, John gave an excellent view on managing your accommodation business efficiently, with some advice on Making Tax The Starting or Growing a Small Food Digital and how to make Producing Business event, held in Mr Pook’s your life simpler with an Kitchen, Castle Douglas. The New Routes to Marketing for Sm Kirkcudbrigh effective accountancy software package. Sounds boring but is increasingly essential! New Routes to Market for Small Creative Businesses Next up in Kirkcudbright was an event aimed at small and micro Creative Businesses. This time we were joined by Morag MacPherson, an artist and one of the initial founders of PA Pop-Up, an artists’ collective which now has shops in Kirkcudbright, Castle Douglas and Gatehouse. Morag spoke passionately about the ethos behind the Co-operative, where people work together to man and run the shops, giving small businesses a High Street outlet they would never be able to afford otherwise. Work is sold commissionfree, in return for a monthly fee of between £25-£35 and a time and effort contribution to the running of the shops of 1 or 2 days per month. The waiting lists for each shop are growing, so you may have to be patient, but if you like the idea of co-cooperative working, this is a great option. Morag spoke of the necessity of having smaller items such as greetings cards to turn over quickly while you wait for the larger pieces to sell, and of the importance of being realistic about your sales, especially in the early days. Helen Keron, Galloway Glens Education and Community Engagement Officer, then shared a number of tips about options for This page is sponsored by the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership For further details contact McNabb Laurie, Gall Academy - The Story So Far Glenkens Gazette mall Creative Businesses event, held in ht Galleries. selling hand-made work online. It is critical to do your research and find the selling channel that works best for you, both in terms of audience reach and commission levels. Ebay is relatively cheap and cheerful but quite general. Esty and Folksy are more specifically for hand-made crafts. You could also choose to go for volume with the big players like Not On The High Street.com or Amazon Handmade, but be sure to read the T&Cs carefully! Photographing your work well is also critical, as it is all the buyers have to go on. Go for light, modern shots and plenty of them. John King of Business Gateway D&G then spoke about the challenges of running a microbusiness, and his theme was clear – Time is Money! You have to account for all of the time you spend on social media marketing, invoice generation, following up on leads and administration, not just the time you spend actually making your product. £20/hour of your creative time is a reasonable starting point for costing your work if you would like to earn above the minimum wage in reality. Starting or Growing a Small Food Producing Business Lastly, we were joined in Castle Douglas by Louise Matheson, owner and manager of The Dumfries Larder, a high-quality delicatessen specialising in cheeses and many other fine foods. page 15 Helen Keron firstly spoke from The main thing therefore when her previous experience about the looking to sell to a retailer is to regulatory compliance needed to be practical about what both price start a food or drink business. There points should be and what sales is a lot of support out there, but volumes you think will be achieved. it is critical to get registered with A long shelf-life is a big bonus - if Dumfries and Galloway Council you also sell at Farmers’ Markets, Environmental Health team at least consider swapping out shorter-life 28 days before you start, and to products to sell that weekend and put in place all of the policies and replacing them for the retailer with practices necessary to ensure you longer-life items. are producing food that is safe as John then finished the evening well as delicious. You will also need with his now familiar tale of Time to understand the requirements is Money, highlighting again how for your produce labels, including important it is to account for all your highlighting allergens to your time, not just cooking time. He also customers. had some great tips for selling to Helen then moved on to tips for retailers who can deliver the volume selling at Farmers’ Markets. This you need to make a decent living, included a summary of how to including making sure your processes contact the Glenkens Community make you easy to work with. Market in Dalry, the new Castle Future Plans Douglas Producers’ Market or All of the slide packs from the Kirkcudbright Farmers’ and Producers’ above three presentations are Market, as well as some tips on available at www.gallowayglens.org/ effective presentation. It is critical to resources, and look for Business display your wares in an eye-catching Academy – they’re well worth way that is also safe and hygienic. looking at if you have one of these Your approach behind the stall is also three business types, as you’ll find important – try not to sit down if you can, and always be prepared to tell your story. Louise then gave a fascinating insight into the world of retail, highlighting that she will typically need a 40% margin for any product she buys. For VATThe Maximising Income from your Accomodation Business rated goods, event, held in the Clachan Inn, Dalry. the picture is further much more detail than has been complicated by the fact that she will covered above. have to pay VAT to HMRC on her Business Academy will continue sales, even if you are too small to throughout 2019, so look out for pay on yours. For example, for a bar upcoming events. And remember of chocolate that you sell at £5 at a that Business Gateway Dumfries Farmers’ market and might propose & Galloway is always open to to sell to her for £4 so she can also enquiries, no matter how small sell it for £5 would incur an 83p VAT or large your business is. For an bill for her, leaving just 17p or 4% appointment contact 01387 808738. margin to cover her 40% overheads. p Scheme, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Dumfries & Galloway Council. loway Glens Team Leader, on mcnabb.laurie@dumgal.gov.uk Glenkens Gazette page 16 GIVING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE A VOICE "We have been learning about time. Time is important because you might be late for work or school. We have been learning about times tables. Two times four equals eight and ten times ten is a hundred. We have been doing Forest Schools and we have been learning about ants. If we had the same strength as an ant we would be able to lift a car with our mouth." Jake Mardi Gras Activities The Primary 1-3 class at Dalry had a fabulous day celebrating Mardi Gras with their student teacher Miss Gill. Everyone wore the Mardi Gras colours of green, purple and gold and made Mardi Gras floats. They also made colourful masks. Thanks to Miss Gill for giving the class such a great experience. Dalry Primary p1-3 pupils with their Mardi Gras masks. "We have been PUPILS ACHIEVE learning about insects week we went DISCOVERY AWARD ...on Last an insect hunt. We Some Dalry Secondary pupils have been completing a John Muir Award as part of their Wednesday afternoon activities. S1 pupils Lucy, Campbell, Tori, Sophie and Jessica received their Discovery Dalry Secondary S1 pupils Lucy, Campbell, Level Award certificates. Tori and Sophie with their certificates. These required them to commit 24 hours of time numbers and distributions. to discovering, exploring, This was the first year that Dalry conserving and sharing information Secondary have taken part in the about their local natural and John Muir Awards, and hopefully we cultural heritage. This involved will be able to do so again next year finding out about the local folklore for pupils who would like to discover and history of Dalry, visiting Ken more about their local natural Dee RSPB reserve and Bellymack environment. Farm to find out about the red Visit the Dalry School blog to find kite reintroduction programme, out more about what the pupils have mountain biking and walking to been doing this term - https:// explore new areas and conducting OPAL surveys to help monitor insect blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/dg/ dalrysecondary Ross McFarlane found a caterpillar - it was the size of a small worm. We also found a snail, its shell looked like a fossil. The colours were so beautiful it looked like a rainbow. This week we pretended to be ants so we got smelly oil and made a trail. Then we got a blindfold and put it on so we needed to use smell to try to find the thing the trail led to. I found out that there are three types of ants: there is a queen, flying and a scout ant." Elizabeth Glenkens Gazette page 17 GIVING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE A VOICE Dalry Primary Science Dalry Primary have been doing science such as pendulum testing, building paper bridges, trying to stop eggs from breaking from a certain height and making a gas to blow up a balloon. Sometimes the experiments failed and sometimes they didn’t. Some of the experiments were based on our topic about water. With P4/5 we did STEM activities which included the paper bridges and the eggs, but most of the activities where just for our topic. We did the balloon experiment; we were trying to get a liquid and a solid together to make a gas which is linked with our topic. Then not long ago we did a shaving foam experiment which was really fun but the whole point of it was that we all were trying to work out if shaving foam is a solid or a liquid and turns out that it is a solid with a liquid inside. In STEM when we did the paper bridge and the egg dropping challenge the whole point of it was to see if we could work as a team with the other class as well as creating something to stop the eggs from cracking and that pretty much worked. Charlie M, George and Lola, P6, Dalry Primary Dalry Primary School pupils carrying out experiments. Hello Readers... Today we are writing about water colours and Claude Monet. At school we have been working on using water colours in our art. We have been looking at Claude Monet and how he became an impressionist. We have been learning different techniques, with a paint brush by using small strokes and to use a lot of water on our paint brushes to make the colours wash. In fact we have been impressionists ourselves. One art lesson we went outside to paint what we see and if we were painting a beautiful landscape and there was an ugly fence in the picture you might think I don’t want that in my painting because it will ruin it. Because it is what you see not what the other person sees. There was one lesson with Mrs Haynes we were learning about Georgia O’Keeffe and looking at her famous paintings of her flowers. Mrs Haynes said “Right were going to have a go!!” I thought I couldn’t match my work to hers. But we all looked up a picture of a flower on the computer I did a water lily, the reason that Georgia’s stile of painting is different to other paintings is because she sketches the flower first then she out lines it with a pastel next she paints the flower’s colour then finally the colour she painted the flower the opposite colour is for the background. Bye, Dante Newbery ...thank you and goodnight. JOHN MUIR AWARDS AT KELLS The Kells Primary School P4-7 class are working towards their John Muir Trust Discover Award as part of their Forest Friday activities. Inspired by the famous Scottish ecologist and founder of National Parks, the award encourages people to “discover, explore, conserve and share” local wild places. We hope that it will help encourage a lifelong appreciation of landscape and wildlife, as well as an awareness of the kinds of careers and opportunities there are for caring for and working in the outdoors. It's fantastic to see the enthusiasm of the class and the challenges they overcome exploring and learning outside. The children are planning to hold an Open Morning towards the end of term (date to be confirmed) where they can share the site and what they've discovered with the younger class, families and friends - campfire cooking included! A huge thank you to Mr and Mrs Maxwell for allowing us to use their land every week, and for the support of the parents. Mary, Forest Friday Volunteer Exploring the burn. Glenkens Gazette GLENKENS GUIDES CHIEF GUIDE’S AWARD The Glenkens Guide Unit attended a party to celebrate the guiding achievements of our Young Leaders Annabelle McAdam and Cara Ramsay. Annabelle and Cara had also invited many other people from within and outwith guiding who have helped them along the way. We are very proud that they have both completed their Look Wider scheme, and on the night were presented with their Chief Guide's Award by county commissioner Kirsty Tomlin. Besides being our Young Leaders both girls are members of Girlguiding Stewartry's Senior Section. Well done girls, we're very proud of all you have achieved! After much discussion and planning with the guides themselves about venues and dates, the 1st Glenkens Guide Unit had an outing to the Cocoa Bean Factory. Besides page 18 enjoying a session of chocolate crafting the girls also had fun on the outdoor play equipment. Comments from the Guides included; “My favourite part was making the chocolate”, “We had lots of fun inside and outside”, “I enjoyed pushing Annabelle on the basket swing”, “I enjoyed making up my face with moustache and beard”. The Guides are especially grateful to Glenkens Community Shop for the grant which subsidised this outing - it has been very much appreciated. Further news is that we have a very welcome new Guide Leader, Mrs Fiona Norbury, who is taking over from myself. After some 30 years as a Guider I am going to miss the fun and adventure, but it is certainly time to retire. Thank Top: Annabelle McAdam and Cara Ramsay you Fiona - I hope that you being presented with their Chief Guide's will also enjoy the fun and Award. Above: Guides with their new adventures! Kathryn Peace Guider, Mrs Fiona Newbury, and Young Leader Annabelle McAdam.. Hopes Recorded in Balmaclellan Artist Jason Nelson took a mobile foundry to Balmacellan where he poured molten aluminium into moulds taken from lino cuts. Moulds were made by more than 80 people including secondary school students and members of the local Men’s Shed group. Jason (right) with Roddy Mathieson © Colin Tennant. The idea is that people’s hopes for the year 2030 are recorded on specially cast metal ingots in a project exploring the legacy of the Galloway Glens hydro scheme and the future for renewables. Jason’s work explores the story of Scotland’s hydroelectric schemes and the development of hydroelectric power in Galloway (one of Scotland’s oldest and boldest clean, renewable energy projects). His project was inspired by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s projection that the world needs to fundamentally change its energy production and use by 2030 to avoid irreparable damage to the environment and climate system. Hydro schemes initially came to Scotland to generate the energy needed for aluminium smelting. Then, with moves to build the national grid, they were seen as a way to bring power to the people. Jason said: “The Galloway Glens hydro scheme was an astonishing piece of civil engineering – with the capacity to provide clean energy for around 79,000 homes. “Right now, we need the same kind of drive, vision and creative thinking to put renewables at the heart of global energy production and to help us reshape how we use energy by 2030. “That’s not long – today’s secondary school students will only be in their 20s. So I thought I’d ask people of all ages to say what they would like to see in the next 12 years.” Jason encouraged participants to express their aspirations and desires by marking lino using cutting tools, letter punches and stick on letters. Some people’s messages were global, like wanting a better environment for their grandchildren. Others were simpler, like hoping for a family of their own – or even a pet dog. The finished pieces will form part of an Energise exhibition at Gracefield Arts Centre over the summer. Jason is one of three artists involved in Energise, a project run by Upland Arts Development Community Interest Company, which aims to explore the relationship between climate change and the environment and people of Dumfries and Galloway. Glenkens Gazette page 19 Exploring the Glenkens on Foot Have you ever wanted to know more about the wonderful walks and paths that are ready and waiting to be explored on our doorstep? In April members of the local community, Connecting in Communities, Local Initiatives in New Galloway, New Galloway community engagement worker and Louise Coupar from Stewartry Active Sports came together for training and to plan a range of walking opportunities around our local community. Ideas were shared and now we are pleased to announce a Community and Family Walk on Sunday 2 June at 3pm. A social walk that is suitable for all (accompanied children and well-behaved dogs on leads welcome) starting and finishing in New Galloway. There will be well earned refreshments at the end. A Place-Name Walk on Sunday 28 July at 2pm, THE GARDEN SPOT The flower borders are looking very untidy now but I am resisting the temptation to get rid of all the foliage from the spring bulbs until midJune, or six weeks from the flowers finishing. They also need a sprinkling of chicken manure (if you are organic) or ‘growmore’ if not. This should see the bulbs build their strength for a good display next year. In the veg plot, successional sowings are the order of the day. No point in planting a whole row of lettuces when you only want one or two a week. Seeds sown at the same time will generally be ready at the same time. I try and sow about two-foot long rows of radishes, lettuce, rocket and dwarf beans about every two weeks (and I must do better at keeping up the watering when it is dry). On the subject of watering, it is generally agreed that ‘little and often’ is the worst thing you can do; this only wets the surface of the soil and encourages surface roots, plants need deep roots. Far better to give a really thorough watering and leave at least 5 – 7 days. Not true for the hanging baskets of course, I reckon they need about 1cm of water per day (half an inch in old money). I have been known to water mine whilst carrying an umbrella if it is raining, much to the amusement of passers-by! Rain alone is never enough. If you have apple or pear trees, you will notice that some of the fruits will start to fall off in the next few weeks. Nothing to worry about, this is called the ‘June drop’ and is nature’s way of removing excess fruits that the tree cannot sustain. In fact, a good idea towards late June/early July is to help it along; remove any fruits that look damaged, misshapen or are in an awkward place, reduce each cluster to two fruits (max) and then stand back and look. Do you need a crop of 100 on this small garden tree? Or 50? Better to reduce the number to 25 or 30 so you get bigger, better quality fruits. If you have never taken your own softwood cuttings from fuchsia, penstemon etc, then now is the perfect time to try. There is plenty of guidance online or on What is a place-name walk? It is a walk through past and present, through landscape and language. It is an attempt to see the modern environment through the eyes of the people who gave it the names which we still use today, taking the names themselves as our guides’. Details and date for a Stroll in the Park are to be confirmed. This will be a low level walk ideal for anyone who is new to exercise, living with or recovering from a long term illness or who would like to walk with others. We hope to develop this Community project and welcome ideas, volunteers and information on local walks. If you would like more information please contact Sam Rushton, community engagement worker, on samCEW@ newgallowaycommunity.shop or pop into New Galloway Shop. gardening programs on how to do this. One tip that I can give is to cut a 2-litre plastic bottle in half and use each as a mini greenhouse for your cuttings – you just need to find a suitable pot, any old compost and just stick them in. Some things grow so fast at this time of year, I’m sure they should come with a warning – ‘plant and stand well back’. I’m hoping that I have not bitten off more than I can chew by trying to grow wasabi for the first time. Expensive to buy, fiddly to grow, two years before you get a crop and mine have already been attacked by slugs – oh well, if it fails, then at least I will have something to measure my successes against. The Intrepid Gardener The wasabi experiment... Glenkens Gazette page 20 Air Crashes in the Glenkens Previous articles have told the stories of air crashes on Corserine, around Loch Doon and to the north of Carsphairn – issues 89, 95 and 100 (available online). This article covers the final three local air crashes, all in the eastern side of the Glenkens. The first of these losses was on Beninner, a hill about a mile south-east of Cairnsmore of Carsphairn. On 8 November 1939, Bristol Blenheim IV serial P4848 was on a ferry flight from RAF Perth, Scone to RAF St Athan, Cardiff along with three other Blenheims and a Fairey Battle. The Battle landed at Blackpool due to poor weather, three Blenheims arrived safely at St Athan but this one was reported overdue and was not found until more than a week later. This twin engine light bomber was normally operated by a three-man crew but this was a ferry flight so the pilot (Flt Lt Kenneth Norman Masters Eyres) was the only one on board. His body was found in the wreckage and he is buried at Stranraer Glebe cemetery. The Blenheim was known to have problems with icing in cold weather and the flight instruments were mostly obscured by the control yoke, so probably a difficult aircraft to be in during poor weather conditions. The plane was part of the Special Duties Flight which was testing radio and radar equipment for the Air Ministry so there must have been some relief when the plane with its secret equipment was found. The second crash in this area was the only enemy aircraft to crash in the Glenkens. On 25 March 1943, a Dornier 217 (serial U5-JR) twin engine bomber with a crew of four, suffered engine failure during a bombing mission near Edinburgh. It crashed at Cornharrow, about six miles east of Carsphairn, although what it was doing this far south-west is anyone’s guess. Three of the crew bailed out and were captured and held as prisoners of war. The body of the fourth crew member was found in the wreckage of the aircraft. The prisoners of war were taken initially to Dalry police station. One of the prisoners had lost a boot in the bog where he landed and, on arriving at the police station, he handed his remaining boot to Police Sergeant Hugh Harvie as it would be no further use to him. Apparently the boot stayed on the windowsill ULTRASOUND PREGNANCY SCANNING of the police station for several years afterwards. Sgt Harvie’s wife received some mild criticism for feeding the prisoners before they were taken away, but she explained “they were just wee boys”. The final crash in this area occurred on 25 February 1942 beside the Ken Bridge Hotel. A Westland Lysander, serial V 9472 of 309 (Polish) Squadron was involved in practice dive-bombing attacks on a gun position. The pilot was Fly Off Piotr Dunin and also on board was Fly Off Jerzy Homan. The plane failed to pull out of the dive and crashed in the road killing both men. An investigation showed that a system malfunction was the cause of the crash. The Lysander is better known as the plane used to smuggle members of the French resistance into and out of occupied France. I should also point out the Ministry of Defence statement: “The remains of all aircraft which crashed while in military service, whether on land or at sea, are protected by the Protection of Military Remains Act 1968. It is an offence under this act to tamper with, damage, move or unearth remains unless the Secretary of State has issued a Licence authorising such things to be done, and they are done in accordance with the conditions of the Licence.” That concludes this irregular series of articles on the Air Crashes of the Glenkens. However, there are a few other interesting crash sites nearby… Paul Goodwin ����������������� �������������������������������� ��������������������������������� ��������������������� ����������������������������� For bookings and info: Duncan Kennedy 07860 474001 dk@passcan.co.uk www.passcan.co.uk Top: The three types of aircraft which crashed. Above: the locations of the first two planes, the third, which crashed beside the Ken Bridge Hotel, being self-explanatory. Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN Poets of the Glenkens Dorothy Paulin, a wise woman who edited The Gallovidian Annual in the 1930s, once requested that her contributors would submit more poetry and less verse for publication. It is probably true that most of us cannot tell the difference between the two. The world famous popular poet Robert Service once remarked that in his family anything that rhymed was poetry. Dorothy indicated that Galloway perhaps offered too much inspiration, suggesting that writers concentrate less on scenery and more on ‘homely subjects’ such as ‘the dance of a dragon-fly or the song of a burn’, the smell of wood-smoke from a farmhouse as the porridge-pot is placed on a pile of sticks. Poets, she argued, were usually remembered by a line or phrase rather than by a lengthy composition. ‘Then is inspiration born again; then does the mind Quicken and the heart lift, and Infinity retreat before the pleasures and thrilling possibilities of the finite present. ‘The pen is taken up and perhaps an immortal line, or fragment, or sonnet, is written’. The Glenkens is remarkable for the astonishing number of poets it has produced. The nature of poetry and the ways in which it differed from prose was among many subjects to which Robert Heron of New Galloway turned his mind. I have banged on about Heron’s unrecognised achievements on many occasions in print and ‘speak’ in efforts to have his contributions recognised. A true son of the Scottish Enlightenment, among his many accomplishments, he was a talented historian who remarked that public transactions were only half of history. He believed that while there were few historical events that embraced the common interests of everybody, it was private life that exhibited ‘the most interesting and most instructive scenes’. The experience of the people was as worthy of commemoration as the wars. The best and most perfect history would be that in which the historian sought, ‘with the art of the Epic Poet, [to] intermingle the history of manners with that of policy, so as to work them up together into one beautiful and orderly whole’. He was also convinced that William Wallace and Robert Bruce, together with the poets who commemorated them, spoke and wrote Lallans, which had survived as the Scottish leid or language until his own day and incidentally to ours also. No English person can instantly comprehend the works of Chaucer without tuition, while the Scottish conceit, however misguided, is that Scots have all been able to understand one another for over 600 years, a notion that contributes effectively to the national mythos. The classics of Scottish poetry thus preserve a validity and inspiration for the present. Eton-educated Alexander Clark Kennedy of Knockgray invited his readers to: Wi me praise thae ancient days O Scotlan aye sae glorious! An, if like men, we fecht again, We’ll be like Bruce victorious. Samuel Wilson of Crossmichael told the sad tale of the Gaberlunzie man, ‘frail and auld,/An his haffetlocks were bleached wi eild’ who drowned in the swollen Garpel when he was refused shelter from a fierce storm. More recently James Trotter celebrated ‘The Clachan Fair’: Aye dog it Tam, I’ll tak a dram, To clear the vapours by, man; Carsphairn inn keeps famous gin, The thocht o’t maks me dry man. And yet I think, I shouldna drink, The day is unco young man; But as for you, ye’re geylie fou, Gude-faith ye’re fairly sprung man. We are indebted to Hilda McAdam for publishing in her great collection, Dalry Reminiscences, Sanny Hunter’s amusing and cautionary ballad about the unfortunate Jamie who paid a visit to Hell when he was killed while working on Clatteringshaws Dam for the Hydro in the 1930s: I saw the dismal coal seams An the reed het hissing bings An the special heated corner For Poets, Peers and Kings. Alexander Hunter neatly captured the grind of composition: I often think when readin oot the poetry in the Press, It is a type o rhyming lore that’s faur ayont my cless; I’ve seen me sit an study it a hauf oor at a time, An aye the mair I looked at it, the queerer grew the rhyme. He was the only rhymester I ken to immortalise the streets of New Galloway. Whit’s come ower ye, New Galloway, Your Charter boast an a that? There’s holes an sheuchs in a your streets, Like ploomen draw an a that! They’re like to bump a body aff, Juist brek the shears an a that; Like wayward sinner, ye’ll be damned, Sae mend your ways an a that! There are plenty more. Still the poems and verses keep coming, preserving memories for the future if anybody has the time and patience to read or listen. The Glenkens dialect is dying, the language of Galloway almost gone in the same way that Gaelic disappeared in this region half a millennium ago, leaving traces only in the place names. On 7 September there will be a conference in the CatStrand on The Speak of Galloway with the support of the Saltire Society. The event will explore the history of Galwegian, the people who spoke it and still speak it and the culture which it supported. Speakers include Professor Jeremy Smith, Language and History in south-west Scotland; Margaret Ferguson, Haud yir tongue and mind yir language: a sociolinguistic study of the distinctive accent of southwest Scotland; Derrick McClure, John Mactaggart’s Scottish Gallovidian Encyclopedia; Chris Rollie, Bird Names of Galloway; and the inimitable Rab Wilson, Poet and ‘Lad o’ Pairts’, Scots Language and Cormilligan: Today and Tomorrow. The day will conclude with Speakers of Galloway Speak: A Symposium - What Has Happened to our Language, and Does Anybody Care? Light lunch included. All very welcome. Tickets are available from the Catstrand hoping to see you there! Ted Cowan Glenkens Gazette page 22 26 Main Street, St John’s Town of Dalry Open Tues-Sat by appointment: 01644 430 525 07876 397 725 We stock an extensive range of hand-made Wild Olive soaps, and also Wild Olive products such as bath melts, shampoo bars and doggie shampoo bars. The salon also houses massage practitioner Blair Templeton (07795 170 927) and Patricia Lavelle, Minding Feet, with foot health and holistic foot therapies on Wednesdays only (07789 246 833). Sponsored dog walk coming soon in aid of Dalry School - watch out for posters! A big thankyou to Ross Hardman of Dalry who makes lovely cards to sell in the Salon. All the proceeds go to the Dalry Community Charity Shop. Thank you to all our lovely clients old and new for their continued business, support and friendship. 8th June 13th July 10am-12.30pm For further information or to book a stall ring 01644 430 454 or visit www.dalrytownhall.co.uk Entrance by donation - proceeds towards Dalry Town Hall Refurbishment Fund North of Castle Douglas, A713 Ayr Road Glenkens Gazette page 23 Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Eric Broadhurst with Tranquility on Kendoon Loch. Eric wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s Sunday carvery. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “Some lovely pictures again this issue, but we’ve settled on the tranquil loch - if someone said it was a Canadian scene you wouldn’t question it; absolutely stunning.” How to Enter: any photos taken in the Glenkens can be entered - landscapes, wildlife, portraits, action shots... Email them to glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk If you are a winner the Gazette will send you out a voucher - please call the Ken Bridge to book your meal, and make sure to take your winner’s voucher along with you. Glenkens Gazette page 24 Glenkens Gazette page 25 RNLI Bumper Lifeboat COMMUNITY PC THANKS Fundraiser Our Community The Glenkens fundraising committee of the RNLI held their annual coffee evening in May and are delighted to report that over £925 was raised – a bumper year. Speaking on behalf of the committee, Nicolette Wise said: “We are so grateful to everyone who supported our coffee evening in Dalry Town Hall and it was nice to see so many people enjoying themselves. The stalls were all busy and the cake stall was so popular that they ran out of baking before the end! “The event also gave us an opportunity to thank Elizabeth Thompson who has stood down from the committee after over 30 Police Officer Thomas Dingwall will be leaving his role in the Glenkens. President of the Stewartry RNLI fundraising group, May Brown, presenting Elizabeth Thompson with gifts and a certificate to mark over 30 years fundraising for the Lifeboats. years, most of them as secretary.” Such commitment to the Lifeboats was also appreciated by RNLI Head Office in Perth as Elizabeth was presented with gifts and a certificate at the recent AGM of the Stewartry RNLI. Tom would like to take this opportunity to say a few words to the people of the Glenkens. “I was in the CID for years before and had the option to return, which I have taken. There will be a new Community Officer allocated very shortly and until then Chloe Ellis will be standing in. “Thank you to everyone I have met over the last year - I have really enjoyed my time as the Glenkens Community Officer and it was a pleasure serving such a great wee community. I'm sure the incoming Community Officer will fill my shoes no problem, and get round to meeting everyone in the near future. I am sorry my time was short in the Glenkens but it's certainly made my last year in the Police very enjoyable.” Wright’s Shop & Post Office CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR 2019 - three changing cask ales & cider - fresh, seasonal & local food - open all day every day - award-winning food, beer & atmosphere - en-suite accommodation - 20% off takeaway discount - country sport & walkers facilities - 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk Dalry’s local convenience store • licensed grocers • • newsagents • stocking a range of local suppliers • Express Bakery bread • • Irvings biscuits & cakes • • Ballards & Dalmellington Country Butchers meat & pies • • Mitchells fruit & veg • Shop & Post Office open 7 days Monday to Friday 7am–6pm Saturday 8am–6pm Sunday 8.30am–4pm Tel 01644 430 225 Glenkens Gazette JUNE page 26 JUNE & JULY runs until 29 June, Pennies from Heaven Exhibition, Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries, see p22 Sat 1, Coig, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sun 2, David Scheel, 2.30pm, CatStrand Sun 2, Community & Family Walk, 3pm, New Galloway, see p19 Mon 3, Blackcraig Community Windfarm Fund Drop-in Session, 68pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Fri 7, Dark Sky Jazz: Norman Wilmore Quintet, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 7, Dalry Police Station Drop-in, 6-7.30pm Sat 8, The Eric Bell Trio, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 8, Blackcraig Community Windfarm Fund Drop-in Session, 10am-2pm, Dalry Town Hall Sat 8, Glenkens Farmers’ Market, 10am-12.30pm, Dalry Town Hall, seep22 Wed 12, Blackcraig Community Windfarm Fund Drop-in Session, 68pm, 6-8pm, Parton Village Hall Fri 14, CatStrand Youth Players: A Night of Comedy, 7.30pm, CatStrand, see p9 Sat 15, Gremlins Recorder Day, 11am-4pm, includes lunch & performance at 3pm, CatStrand Sat 15, Blackcraig Community Windfarm Fund Drop-in Session, 12noon-2pm, Corsock Village Hall Sun 16, Family Piano Day, 2.30pm, CatStrand Tue 18, Eos: Van Gogh & Japan, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 21, Elisabeth Schilling: Felt, 7pm, CatStrand Sat 22, Theatre: Call To Nature, 11am/ 1pm/3pm, Garroch Estate, Dalry (performances start on bus from CatStrand) Sat 22, Celebrate & Share, 68.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, see p6 Sun 23, Arndarroch Open Garden, 1-5pm, B7000 between Dalry and Carsphairn, see back page Fri 28, Ken Words: Mid Summer Poetry Walk with Mary Smith & Keith Kirk, 7.30pm, Threave Castle Estate (only 12 places available so booking is essential) JULY Fri 5, Dalry Police Station Drop-in, 9-10.30am Sat 13, Glenkens Farmers’ Market, 10am-12.30pm, Dalry Town Hall, seep22 Mon 15, Youth Open Stage, 7.30pm, CatStrand, see p9 Sun 28, Place Name Walk, 2pm, New Galloway, see p19 GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL 01644 420234 LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS Glenkens Community Shop: Contact Shirley McNaught on 07955 743 022 or drop by the charity shop on Main Street, Dalry on julia.higgins55@outlook.com Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING): Contact Ros Hill on ros.hill@rathanhouse.co.uk Schools: Pop into the school office or call Carsphairn on 01644 460 269, Dalry on 01644 430 105 (for Nursery, Primary & Secondary) or Kells on 01644 420 340 Dalry Communities Properties Trust (DCPT): Contact Andi Holmes on andiholmes@hotmail.com or 07729 292 126 Dalry Town Hall: Contact Jim Reid on 01644 430231 New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE): Contact Sam Rushton on 07741 656601 or samCEW@ newgallowaycommunity.shop or pop into New Galloway Community Shop Balmaclellan Community Trust: Contact Julia Higgins CatStrand: Contact Chris Jowsey at chris@catstrand.com 01644 420 374 or pop in to the CatStrand Bright Stars - Glenkens Community Nursery: Contact glenkenscommunitynursery@gmail.com Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP): Contact McNabb Laurie on mcnabb.laurie@dumgal.gov.uk If you would like to add your community organisation to this list please get in touch with the Gazette - contact details are on the back page. Glenkens Gazette page 27 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Film Makers’ Club, Mon 7-8.30pm Exercise to Music: Mon 9.3010.30am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time) 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris Dance 2: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time) 4.30-5.15pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, 1st Tues of the month, 6-8pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab, Mon (term-time) 7-8.30pm, ages 12-18 Animation Club, Tues 4-6pm (starts 12 Feb then fortnightly) Gentle Tai Chi: Wed 10am Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed 2-3.30pm Game Tech, last Wed each month, 6-8pm Writers’ Cafe, 2nd Thurs each month 7-9pm Sing it Out, Thurs 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes, 1st & 3rd Thurs each month, 1–3.30pm Yoga, Tues 6.30-7.30pm & Thurs 9.15-10.45am Learn the Whistle, (starts 28 Feb; 8-week block. Ages 412 - 3.45-4.30pm; Age 12+ & Adults - 5-6.30pm). Contact chris@catstrand.com to find out more Zumba Gold, Fri (term-time) 9.3010.30am, CatStrand, 16+ Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry: Paint & Art, Mon 2-4pm (moving to NG Town Hall from end April) GCC Playgroup, Tues, Wed & Thurs 9.15-11.45am Guides, Tues 6-8pm Yoga, Wed 7.30-8.45pm, for info call Carylann on 07817 400 287 Brownies, Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts, Thurs 79pm Thursday Craft Group, Thurs 24pm Glenkens Children’s Club, Fri 10am-12noon New Galloway Town Hall: Paint & Art Group, Mon 24pm (moving from Glenkens Community Centre to NG Town Hall at end April) LING Elevenses & Lunches, Tues 11am-2pm Fast Broadband Access, Tues 11am-2pm Table Tennis & Carpet Bowls, Tues 7-9pm Circuits, Tues 5.30-6.30pm Zumba, Wed 7.30-8.30pm, 11+ Circuits, Sat 8-9am Various Locations: Hatha Yoga, Mon 10-11.15am, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Carsphairn Post Office, Tues 1-3pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Dalry WI, 3rd Tues each month 2pm, Dalry Town Hall (except Jun, Jul & Aug) Beavers, Tues 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training, Tues & Thurs 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Mossdale Painters, Wed 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall A Chat, A Cuppa & A Cake, Wed 10am-2.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Dalry School Community Choir, Wed 3.30-4.30pm, Dalry Secondary School Cub Scouts: Wed 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH TIMES CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sunday Services: Balmaclellan 9.45am: 1st(Jun). Balmaclellan 10am: 1st(Jul).Carsphairn 11.15am: 1st,2nd,3rd, 4th. Dalry 9.45am: 2nd(Jun), 4th(Jun). Dalry 10am: 2nd(Jul), 4th(Jul). Dalry 10.30am: 5th(Jun). Kells 9.45am: 3rd(Jun). Kells 10am: 3rd(Jul). Special Services/Events: Family Service, 9 Jun, 9.45am, Dalry Church. United Service with Choir, 30 Jun, 10.30am, Dalry Church. Pet Blessing Service, 30 June, 3pm, Balmaghie Church. Communion Service: 7 July, 11.15am, Carsphairn Church (using central table) SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed. CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Kirkcudbright: Sun Mass, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sat Mass, 5pm. Youth Writing, 1st Thurs each month (during term time) 3.30-5pm, ages 10-15, Dalry Library Kettlebells, Balmaclellan Village Hall, Thurs 6-7pm Carsphairn SWI, 3rd Thurs of the month, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, for further info call Christine on 01644 460 577 Coffee & Craft, Fri 9am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Bridge Hotel Scouts, Thu 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dru Yoga, Thu 12.30–2pm, Laurieston Village Hall Gentle Tai Chi, Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall Golf Junior Coaching, Sat 10-11: 30am, New Galloway Golf Course, see p8 Restoring Footpaths, Sat 10am1pm, phone 420 632 to confirm Junior Golf & Come-and-Try for all ages, New Galloway Golf Course, Sat 10am Men’s Shed, Old Smiddy, Balmaclellan. Opening times: Mon 9.30am-4pm & 6.30-8.30pm; Wed 9.30am-1pm & woodcarving from 24pm; Fri 9.30am-12noon. Dalry Library Tuesdays 10.30am-2pm Fridays 11am-4.30pm For further informa�on contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 28 ARNDARROCH OPEN GARDEN Arndarroch, situated on the B7000 five miles outside Dalry, commands views of Kendoon Loch and Cairnsmore of Carsphairn. In 1990 the present garden was a bare hillside with thin, rocky soils. This challenge was compounded by rabbits, nettles, docks, thistles and strong winds. The birds were few. Undaunted, owner Annikki Lindsay used the natural features to create a very special garden full of surprises that blend in with the natural surroundings. The Woodland Garden, the Bog Garden and the Bamboozelam are main features. Flowering, colourful perennials and shrubs have been added over the years and encouraged to spread naturally. Today the garden and the predators exist harmoniously. The hostas are no longer at the mercy of slugs that are controlled naturally by frogs, toads, birds and hedgehogs. Rabbit-proof cultivars have been chosen and the rabbits, still numerous, do not cause the devastation they once did. Many birds choose to make the garden their home or visit it seasonally, including barn owls, house martins and swallows. There are natural nesting sites and food as well as Arndarroch garden. nesting boxes. Many plants will be flowering in June. Macleaya Kelway’s coral plume, filipendula, rheum, astilbe, euphorbia grifithii, primulas and geum at their best. In the Bog Garden the large darmera peltata towers among smaller plants like irises. Variety of trees and shrubs are now well established throughout the garden. Development of the garden has taken 30 years and what is seen now is not what owner envisaged the result to be. She has learnt that the best outcome can be achieved by working with nature and not against it, resulting in a unique garden to wander around and sit in to contemplate the magnificient views and to focus on individual aspects of the garden. At the Open Garden there will also be a display and sale of craft items made by Annikki over the winter months, as well as a plant stall. Arndarroch Garden Open Day: 23 June, 1-5pm, entry £3.50, teas £2.50, children under 16 free, dogs on leads welcome. Glenkens Agricultural Society Annual Show Saturday 17th August 2019 Newfield Farm, Dalry Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Poultry, Horses, Show Jumping, Fancy Dress Pony, Pets & Dogs, Crookmaking, Refreshments, Schedules from Judith Cowie on 07743 004 189 or judith_2006@hotmail.co.uk WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk AUG/SEPT COPY DEADLINE: 5 JULY Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.co.uk The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 112 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_112 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2019 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/257/GlenkensGazette111.pdf 7718e60b721f2e018b5ca09ef5ce2941 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 111 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE News from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry April/May 2019 ISSUE 111 FREE NEW SIGNS POINT THE WAY FOR DALRY New road signs as you enter Dalry announce that the village is a proud supporter of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere – an area that unites the three local authorities of East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway. A Biosphere is a special designation awarded by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organisation) to areas renowned for their special environments which are valued by local people. The idea is to demonstrate ways in which rural communities can become more successful through sustainable, environmental, social and economic Andrew Bielinski beside the sign at the top of the village. growth. The ethos behind Biosphere over two years ago, the Biosphere encourages cobut it has taken some time to operation and collaboration to achieve the new signage with show that a sustainable way of funding for the project coming living is not only possible but from the Biosphere, Dalry Town already happening. Hall and Dalry Community Council Dalry Community Council with Dumfries & Galloway Council member, Andrew Bielinski, taking responsibility for erecting proposed the village join the the new signs. Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Youth Players’ Trophy Success The CatStrand Youth Players enjoyed one of their most successful Scottish Community Drama Association (SCDA) festivals to date, bringing home five of the six trophies which were awarded after the four-night competition at The Fullarton Theatre in February. Castle Douglas High School Drama Club took first place with their excellent production of ‘Rom & Julite’, an ingenious and incredibly fast-paced gallop through the Romeo and Juliet story. They will progress to represent Stewartry District at the Western Divisional Final this year. However, all the other awards headed back to CatStrand – 2nd place and Audience Choice were awarded to ‘Bar & Ger’ while 3rd place, Best Stage Presentation and Best Moment of Theatre went to ‘Dust of the Street’. The adjudicator, Dave Bennet, was Cast of Dust of the Street: Left to right are Anna Irving, very impressed James Wallace, Henry Harfield, James Jones, Annabelle with the general McAdam, Laura Edington. high standard of the eight plays in the one play through to the next the Youth Festival round. this year and said that he wished Continued on p11... he was able to put more than A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 BIG LOTTERY VIEWS NEW GALLOWAY RESULT When New Galloway Community Enterprises secured Big Lottery funding in March 2017 it was committed to launching three projects. The community shop moved into its refurbished premises last August, the community engagement programme has been up and running with a host of activities for over a year, and now the two self-catering units, Stroan and Skerrow, have been completed and are welcoming their first guests. Less than two years after the grant was awarded, all three strands of the project are in business. Marking this landmark, senior figures from the Big Lottery visited New Galloway at the end of February to see what has been achieved. Mark Hilton, Capital Manager, and Rachael McQueen, Funding Officer, were given a tour of the completed facilities and met Board members as well as General Retail Manager, Lynsey Hogg, and Community Engagement Worker, Sam Rushton. Our visitors showed great interest in what had been achieved and were impressed by the thriving shop, the ambitious range of engagement work and with the quality of the finished building. Mark Hilton had been well aware of the difficult days in The Big Lottery’s visitors viewing the refurbished shop. From left, Andy Normansell, former Big Lottery funding officer, Jean Marsden, vice chair of NGCE, Rachael McQueen and Mark Hilton of the Big Lottery, Project Manager Helen Keron, and General Retail Manager Lynsey Hogg. the construction phase when we wrestled with the problems of old field drains and collapsing roof beams, now consigned to history. We were delighted that our visitors had brought their former colleague Andy Normansell with them. Andy, now retired, had been our Funding Officer throughout the application process. He had managed both to challenge and stretch us as we prepared our bid while also being positive and encouraging as we negotiated numerous hurdles and successfully launched our community share offer. It obviously gave him pleasure to see our collaboration bear fruit. After their visit Rachael McQueen wrote to say: "We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to sunny New Galloway and appreciated the warm welcome from the NGCE committee and staff. It was great to see the positive impact of National Lottery funding in the area and we were impressed by the transformation of the community shop and the newly converted residential accommodation units. It was excellent to see a range of local and sustainable produce on offer at the shop and learn more about the breadth of activities provided by the community engagement worker, from community co-operative fuel buying initiatives to social gatherings and wellbeing activities." Mike Brown, Chair, NGCE Ltd Club members have been busy preparing the course, organising competitions and coaching. In particular the ladies are in the process of arranging coaching for both beginners and those more experienced players. This coaching will start in early April and any ladies in the community who would like to give the game a try are welcome. If you would like to come along you can contact Linda Brown on 07754066484. Our junior coaching is also set to commence again in early April and anyone interested in coming along can obtain details from David Aitken on 01644 460556. Ian Brown, Secretary New Galloway Golf Club NEW GALLOWAY GOLF CLUB New Galloway Golf Club is looking forward to its new season. The club is pleased to report that we have several new members who have joined up to date this year. It is especially pleasing that a number of these new members are ladies and are also from within the community of New Galloway. Glenkens Gazette SPECIAL FINALE AFTER 21 YEARS OF SERVICE Sunday 25 November marked the last service at St Margaret’s Episcopal Church, New Galloway, taken by the Reverend John Repath who has retired as Rector after 21 years. As well as the usual congregation many other friends attended making it an extra special finale. Drinks and canapés provided by the St Margaret’s Ladies Guild followed the service with a presentation on behalf of the congregation by long-standing member Richard Agnew. John and his wife Jenny have moved to Herefordshire to be nearer family and take with them the good wishes of all. John Repath said afterwards: “We will both always remember the many years we have enjoyed here and the people who have made us welcome both at St Margaret’s and in their homes. It has been a privilege to have served here with such a loyal and faithful congregation.” For further information, please contact Nicolette Wise on 07748 631820. page 3 The Reverend John Repath Carsphairn Scottish Women’s Institute Carsphairn Scottish Women’s Institute (SWI) is a small, social and active group of women who enjoy meeting regularly to share experiences and skills while learning new ones. Membership of the SWI is available to all women in Scotland. There is an emphasis on friendship and inclusiveness. Within the SWI, preserving traditional skills remains important. However, these are added to by the introduction of new experiences and ideas with a view to moving with the times. There is a varied programme of themes at meetings throughout the year which include baking, local heritage, crafts, fun and games and making the most of food. Members may get involved in competitions, but this is totally up to them. One of the benefits of being a member is the opportunity to come together to just talk and share a laugh. Carsphairn SWI meets monthly in Lagwyne Hall on the third Thursday of each month unless there is a reason to change the date. Carsphairn SWI is extending a warm welcome to new members. If you would like to know more, please contact Christine on 01644 460577. In January this year the group met to celebrate Scottish dancing, led by Lavinia and Ken Morris. Great fun was had by all whether taking part or watching - the accompanying poem reflects the evening. In February, Anna Campbell took members and visitors into the past. She described how a walk along the village street would have differed significantly from today. Shops, pubs, police station and fuel station to name a few. It became clear that many characters of many talents have hailed from the Carsphairn area making an impact far afield and closer to home. Members really enjoyed hearing about them all and a fair few of Anna’s stories of the past raised a smile or a laugh. Much food for thought was shared and members plan to dig a bit deeper and find out more about the heritage of the area. Christine Whipp The story of Strictly Scottish Dancing SWI-style… ...but to o’or tale that Thursday night, They came fae glens o’ dark and licht And frae the village o’ Carsphairn They’d women, man and even wean Lavinia and Ken loomed large To gie them dancing was their charge the music box was fast and furious and a’ the folk were keen and curious they jigged they jumped they laughed they tried an’ a that watched fell doon an cried an’ oft the question came to pass who’s the lad an who’s the lass? The ladies of Carsphairn SWI. Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk OFFERED Gunnera plants - ready to dig and divide asap; 7 x 5 litre glass fermentation jars; 2 rolls of blue water piping 250 mm diameter. - can be cut up and used as hoops to make cloches in the garden; strap locker gun suitable for attaching things to fences etc - unused and complete with instructions and all accessories; pull-out washing line - 5 lines extend to up to 4 metres and gives 20 m drying space - unused; unused and used timber of all sorts and sizes. Contact: Rhoda on 01644 430 031 WANTED Paving slabs for repairing steps and footpaths in Golf Course wood. Contact: Gerry on 01644 420 852 GAZETTE 'FOR SALE' ADS We thought we’d try out a For Sale section in the Gazette, where anyone within the Glenkens can advertise items they wish to sell, or post a Wanted ad for items they would like to buy. Below are our first few items to get things started - get in touch with yours! Folding massage table. White faux-leather, good quality, hardly used. £30 ono. Contact: Sarah on 07727 127 997 Mens shoes, brand new and unworn, top quality Anatomic brand, black leather formal style, selection of sizes from 6 to 11, old stock in original wrapping and boxes, these cost £129 a pair on anatomicshoes.com - will sell for £20 a pair. Contact: bcaenterprise s@hotmail.co.uk DVD boxsets: Penny Dreadful, seasons 1,2 and 3. 10 discs, as new condition. Supernatural drama starring Timothy Dalton, Eva Green, Josh Hartnett and Billie Piper. £10. Contact: bcaenterpris es@hotmail.co.uk DVDs: Fear the Walking Dead, seasons 1,2 and 3. 11 discs, as new condition. Apocalyptic drama series. £10. Contact: bcaenterpris es@hotmail.co.uk DVD boxsets: Deadwood, seasons 1, 2 and 3. 12 discs, as new condition. Western drama series. £10. Contact: bcaenterpris es@hotmail.co.uk Very rare pine trees, Pinus Coulteri or Coulter Pine. Healthy 1 year old saplings in pots. Decorative evergreens, very long blueish/green needles. These trees produce the largest pinecones in the world, once established. Large quantity available, £8 each. Contact: bcae nterprises@hotmail.co.uk Native willow tree cuttings, very fast gowing, great for hedging or firewood cultivation. Produce reddish/purple long whips, very desirable for weaving and basket work. Simply put these in a jar of water to root, then plant in desired locations. Cut fresh from healthy trees, £5 per bundle of 10. Contact: bcaenterprises@hotmail.co.uk HOUSE REPAIRS JOINERY New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Semi-retired Furniture Maker & Builder in GLENKENS AREA ...special rates for inclusion of tea, cake and friendly banter... Call Pete on 07970 462 088 Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by Biosphere Minibus Tours The Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere has teamed up with Solway Tours to offer some single day tours in the Galloway Glens area. The excursions are part of a Galloway Glens and D&G Leader funded project which aims to boost tourism in the area by creating a range of experiential activities. The initial day trips will take place in April with more dates to follow throughout the rest of the year. The first tour is scheduled on Tuesday 2 April, and will feature some of the key castles and towers in the area. The second is on Thursday 11 April and will take guests on a trail around some of the most interesting and picturesque spots on Loch Ken. The project is working on a number of other experiences which will be advertised soon. Follow the Facebook page @ExperienceGalloway or visit THE GARDEN SPOT In Victorian times, it is said that farmers and gardeners would drop their trousers and sit bare-cheeked on the soil to see if it was warm enough for planting. Now I am not suggesting that you follow suit...really you could just check to see if the annual weeds have started to germinate. If they have, then it should be warm enough to start planting many of the hardy veggies such as carrot, radish and spinach, along with the hardy annual flowers (and your tatties of course). Don’t forget that any parts of the garden that are shaded for part or all of the day (by a wall or trees) will take a couple of weeks longer to warm up than beds which get a better dose of the sun. Our warm February and colder March has certainly meant a confused start to spring, but nature has a way of sorting itself out. If you grow brassicas (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, etc, and also including wallflowers!) then you will need to add garden lime to the soil as the Glenkens is generally too acid for these alkaline lovers. Stone fruit (cherries, plums, etc) will also need lime around the trees as they need calcium to form the stones. I also find that my apple and pear trees do much better with a handful of lime around each in the spring every couple of years or so. On the subject of trees, if you have any which are staked, check the ties now and slacken off if necessary, to make sure that they have a little room to grow in the coming season without being choked. If you have a greenhouse but didn’t get around to planting your own tomatoes or chillis, it’s not too late (even in April) to plant tomato seeds – smaller cherry varieties will produce crops quickest – ‘sungold’ does well for me. Otherwise buy as plants from your favourite garden centre. I have planted a few lily bulbs in pots – I can then www.gsabiosphere.co.uk to keep up to date with the latest events. For further information contact laura@sup.org.uk or 07741 669181. move these around to fill in any gaps in the borders that appear when the daffodils and tulips die down. A great tip for this time of year (up to mid-summer) is never to water greenhouse or tender plants with water straight from the tap or water butt - most of the plants will not like the cold shock; who would?! If you have a greenhouse then fill the watering can and leave it in the greenhouse for 24 hours to warm up before using it, otherwise add just a little warm to the cold water to just take the chill off. Now I am off to check that the lawnmower is in good working order before I need to make the first cut of the season... The Intrepid Gardener Rocket, onions and broad beans ready for planting out. Glenkens Gazette page 6 RENOWNED FOLK STARS PERFORM GALLOWAY POEM IN CARSPHAIRN As part of D&G Arts Festival, an intimate musical performance of work inspired by Oran Bagraidh, an ancient song believed to be the only remnant of Galloway Gaelic, will be held at Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, on Tuesday 28 May. To find out more, or buy tickets for the Oran Bagraidh performance, contact CatStrand on 01644 420 374 or visit www.catstrand.com Pictured: From the back, left to right, are Mary Anne (Bragod), Lorcan Mac Mathuna, Josie Duncan, Rody Gorman, Bob Evans (Bragod), Barnaby Brown, Gwyneth Glyn, Doimnic MacGiolla Bhríde, Conor Caldwell, Katch Holmes, Ben Seal and MacGillivray. Glenkens Gazette page 7 Pupils Learn Gaelic Song Through the Oran Bagraidh project (see article on opposite page), a children’s version of an ancient Gaelic song will be taught in Glenkens primary schools. The children’s song lyrics were written by poet Rody Gorman and local musician and tutor Kate Howard has put the poem to music. The song includes the names of several Galloway place names, which firmly places it in the region and raises awareness of the historical prominence of the Gaelic language across the area. The children will have the opportunity to work with professional musicians to learn the Gaelic song in the current school year, facilitated by the organisation Fèis Rois. Pupils will give a rendition of the song to parents and members of the community in the near future. How Far Does the Gazette Go We would like to find out how far afield the Glenkens Gazette travels... Do you send copies out to relatives or friends in far-flung places? We are keen to find out how far the Gazette goes... Do you perhaps even have a photo of someone reading the Gazette in an interesting location? We’d love to hear from you - get in touch at glenkensgazette.co.uk or message us on Facebook From the Desk of the Galloway Glens Scheme: Jonathan Barrett, Galloway Glens Land Management & Access Officer The ‘Accessing the Galloway Glens’ programme theme involves connecting, and in some cases re-connecting, communities with the natural, cultural and manmade elements of their heritage and surroundings. Pathways and recreational routes which bring people into face-to-face contact with the stunning landscapes of the Ken/Dee valley often need improvement and information to help bring them to their full potential. Sometimes paths need improvement in order to open them up to a wider range of users, and often additional links are needed to provide connections between key routes and settlements. Working on these projects brings its own challenges such as weather, terrain, light, and even volumes of water moving down the valley, especially at this time of year! Projects in development include the Glenkens Way, which is a programme of improvements to the Pack Road/pilgrims route from Carsphairn to New Galloway. The first phase from Carsphairn to Polmaddy is currently being designed for implementation this year and takes in some fascinating upland archaeology and should tie in nicely with our Can You Dig It Community Archaeology initiative. Another popular route to be improved this year is the Blackpark to Threave path from Castle Douglas to Lamb Island on the River Dee. This route follows the old Castle Douglas to Kirkcudbright rail line and will include a new link section of path to Bridge of Dee which removes the need to risk life and limb crossing the A75. The Mossdale to Gatehouse Station core path route improvements are now completed, including re-surfacing and a new bridge at Loch Skerrow which offers an eight-mile route across open moorland and through forestry, giving improved access for a wider range of users along part of the old Port Road railway line. For the longer-term, the development of a long-distance canoe trail along 25 miles of river and loch from Dalry to Tongland will give all-abilities canoeing access to a stunning waterway. New ideas for access improvement projects, big and small, on routes old and new are always welcome, so keep the ideas coming - send them to jonathan.barrett@dumgal.gov.uk Glenkens Gazette page 8 Youth Player Comes Home Local actor Dylan Blore starred on the CatStrand stage once again this March. Having last appeared in New Galloway with our own Youth Players in June 2012, he made his much anticipated return as a professional actor in Rapture Theatre’s touring production of The Browning Version by Terence Rattigan. The play was the second of Rapture’s successful ‘Classic Plays @ Lunchtime’ series and played to a packed house. Dylan was brilliant in his portrayal of Taplow and together with the six other cast members he certainly played his part in a memorable production. Dylan graduated from Motherwell College in 2017 with a 1st Class Honours in Acting. His professional debut came in the same year, playing Lucius in Timon of Athens with the Bard in the Botanics theatre company. He has since returned to them to play the title role in Romeo and Juliet and Claudio in Much Ado About Nothing. His other credits so far include Hopscotch Theatre’s tour of Aladdin, BBC’s Armchair Detectives and the hugely popular STARZ series Outlander which of course features another Glenkens actor, Sam Heughan. Brian Edgar, CatStrand Youth Players Director, said: “It was great to welcome Dylan back to CatStrand for the first time as a professional actor. I sat in the audience with a sense of pride and watched him play his role to perfection in an excellent production. Dylan appeared in the first ever Youth Players Festival production ten years ago and went on to be a stalwart member for several years until he left for drama college. He was always totally at home on a stage and there was never any doubt that he had the ability and determination to forge a successful career as an actor. He is a fine example to all young people, that whatever your goal, if you are focussed and work hard enough you can achieve your dream career.” We look forward to seeing Dylan Dylan (right) with CatStrand Youth Players Director Brian Edgar. at CatStrand again soon but in the meantime look out for a full interview with him in the next issue of the Glenkens Gazette. Glenkens Gazette page 9 CatStrand Highlights From the folk stylings of two of Scotland’s most revered multiinstrumentalists Mairearad & Anna (Sun 7 April) to the more heavy set Sticky Fingers for Rock in the Glenkens (Sat 13 April) April and May promise an eclectic line up of musical genres. Love and Money singer songwriter James Grant (Sat 11 May) tours his new album, itself a mix of genres from Al Greeninflected soul to radio-friendly rock and big ballads. Dark Sky Jazz also returns with the Fergus McCreadie Trio (Fri 10 May). Fergus is twice winner of Scottish Jazz Musician of the year and wowed the audience at our last Dark Sky Jazz night as part of Graham Costello’s line up. As the weather warms up, it’s time to venture out and about with programming in community venues. We’ve got a great programme of events popping up in the Glenkens villages, towns and even further afield woodland poetry walk anyone? Scotland’s Puppet Animation Festival takes place during April. Come and see Dalry Town Hall transformed for a performance of Ladder to the Stars, suitable for ages 3+ - it’s a story told through a magical mix of music, light and imagination- and puppets of course (Tue 9 April). The Galloway Glens community writing project Ken Words encourages us to take inspiration from a poetry walk with Alan McClure before a hands on writing workshop at Barhill Wood Outside Classroom, Kirkcudbright (Sun 28 April). Grammy-winning bluegrass comes to the Crossmichael Memorial Hall with a toe tapping concert from Canadian band John Reischman & the Jaybirds (Sat 4 May) in partnership with the Wee Book House. Proceeds from the bar and profits from the event will be going towards the Crossmichael Gala. For an evening exploring Galloway’s heritage through music Carsphairn plays host to a performance of Oran Bagraidh (Tue 28 May). This newly created musical performance was composed during a residency at Barscobe House in 2018. It is inspired by the ancient song of the same name believed to be the only remnant of Galloway Gaelic and featuring several well-known place names in the Glenkens. Featuring an array of first class musicians the performance will take place at Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, with a pre event supper at Carsphairn Tea Rooms available when booking in advance. Dalry Town Hall finishes off a month of potential venue hopping with what promises to be a beautiful and powerful performance from the Cairn Chorus joined by the Galloway Agreement for their Spring tour which captures the essence of Dumfries & Galloway’s wild and rugged landscapes (Fri 31 May). Meanwhile at CatStrand, the Easter holidays see the return of Dundee-based dance theatre company Shaper Caper, who performed Within this Dust to a rapt audience here in February. This time with an exciting and immersive performance for ages 3-10 - The Adventures of Isabel (Tue 16 April). The show will be followed by an interactive workshop for all the family. Our Easter Monday movie, The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales (U) is afternoon viewing for all the family, a charming witty and wonderfully silly animated film featuring watercolour sketch animation techniques, it’s littleone friendly but not too sappy (Mon 22 Apr). To finish up our Spring season D&G Arts Festival is back at the end of May with a programme of live arts events around the region – this year CatStrand plays host to the UK premiere of theatre show Guitar Man (Sun 26 May). The show traces the delicate balance between loneliness and longing, loss and salvation through the eyes of a busker. Just the thing for a Sunday afternoon. Our full spring brochures are available now from CatStrand, or take a look online at www.catstrand.com Shaper Caper - The Adventures of Isabel Josh Hawkins. Glenkens Gazette page 10 Garroch Walled Garden Project: Allotment Plots Available Springtime is here! It’s time to get to work in the garden... If you’re interested in growing vegetables on a plot in the walled garden, please get in touch soon. Pumpkin Challenge We’re holding a pumpkin growing competition at Garroch Garden - do you think you could be the 2019 champion? Some spaces for growing pumpkins are available in the garden (first come, first served). There will be a grand pumpkin weigh-in in the autumn, with a small prize (and great glory) for the grower of the heaviest pumpkin. There will also be an additional prize for under 12s. (Hint: now is the time to start by sowing your pumpkin seed in a pot at home.) If you are interested in either having an allotment plot or growing your pumpkin at the Garroch, please contact us at teriandjon@tiscali.co.uk or on 01644 420 247. Many thanks to the people who responded to the piece in the last issue of the Gazette by donating gardening tools; they are greatly appreciated. Picture: Jon Nimmo celebrating a pumpkin victory at Harborne Hill allotments, Birmingham, in 2001. His winning pumpkin, competing with around 60 other allotment holders, weighed in at a whopping 99lb. Visit the Gardens of Excellence It’s official, spring has arrived and it’s time to get out and enjoy our beautiful gardens and landscape. Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) is offering a new series of garden visits this year, commencing on Sunday 7 April with a visit to the ‘Gardens of the Southwest’. This excursion will visit Logan Botanic Garden, which is an exotic paradise, followed by a visit to Castle Kennedy with its romantically situated landscaped gardens. In May the destination is Holehird Garden, the home of Lakeland Horticultural Society. The tour will include a scenic drive through the Lake District. In June a visit to Craichlaw Garden and Woodfall Garden will demonstrate different styles of gardening in the Machars. Each of these gardens has a different story to tell and provides inspiration to the visitor. The GTI team take a pride in offering Riverside walk, Kailzie Garden, one of the gardens on these enjoyable the GTI summer programme. excursions for the communities Galloway, call 01644 420 374, and within which visit www.glenkenstransport.org for we live. Local pick-up points are further information. available and a low-floor bus is As one passenger has said: “An used to provide easy access. To excellent day out, good company, book your ticket please either excellent gardens, tea and cake, contact the CatStrand in New what’s not to like!” THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY � 01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS � Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk Glenkens Gazette TRACKS OF LIFE page 11 by Miriam Stevenson grass I reached for your strong hands “You poke the needle to steady me. Unexperienced flutters through the front loop, in my innocent heart. You reached to straighten my soft scarf and pull yarn over and pull it me towards you. The changes to through. See, there you resonate loudly in my future life were about to begin. are. First stitch made!” Snow and ice all around. It twinkled Fibres from the wool rose up and eddied lazily in the breeze, glinting in the summer sun, as did the knitting needles and the stray strands of your golden hair falling in front of those bright sea blue eyes. I remember you so well. How we danced together as children and shared hobbies. My first stirrings of affection. A childhood fondness that could so easily have become more in a few short years had I not moved away. My hands running along the rough texture of your coat as I reached for your hands. Woven textures of tweed flecked yarn picked out by the unbelievably bright sunlight that only late autumn days can bring. Crisp air pumped through my lungs and rushed through my hair as we climbed up the hill, hardly caring for the faraway vista before us. I was happy and carefree, waiting to see what the future would bring. Possibilities hung in the air. Oh boy, was my life about to be shifted on its axis. Suddenly slipping on the wet in the moonlight and dulled all sounds. My dreadful Christmas jumper - complete with light-up reindeer - offered a vain attempt to warm a body that swore it would rather never feel warmth again. I almost craved the insistent and persisting cold’s inexorable climb from my frozen hands towards my heart as I clasped at the handrail on the iron cold bridge. So easy to let the barely flowing water, crystallising into a thick unyielding layer, smother my pain. Saved by the eternity of constellations, weaving their seeming infinite pattern across the sky, reminding my heartbroken soul that somewhere the ever-longed-for you could equally be wishing on the same stars. Scooping up the discarded mitten from the rain-soaked pavement, noting how its woollen intricately patterned design had become a rather sodden, dripping and sad looking affair. “So apt!” he felt in Youth Players Trophy Wins Continued from front page... Bar & Ger by Geraldine Aron is a well-known two-hander telling the touching story of a brother and sister as they grow up. Arthur Harfield and Eilidh Thomson, in the title roles, were praised by Mr Bennet for their assured acting skills and interaction with the audience. He said: “Both actors were very natural and believable in their delivery of dialogue and carrying out directions.” The play is very challenging for both the actors and the director and whilst he didn’t necessarily agree with all of the directorial choices, he commended the team for going with their convictions and producing such a high quality and engaging piece of theatre. Dust of the Street by Harry Glass is another challenging piece, placing great demands on the cast, director and the stage presentation. The adjudicator praised the immediate impact of the opening music, the set and the costumes which “left him in no doubt that he was in a Warsaw ghetto in 1942”. Similarly, he commended the very dramatic ending describing it as perfect. The courage to use periods of silence and the clever layering of the lighting and sound effects as the play drew to a close led to him commenting that “the moving ending would live with him for a long time.” He was also impressed with the acting and the teamwork of the cast of James Wallace, Annabelle McAdam, James Jones, Laura Edington, Henry Harfield and Anna Irving. In summary the adjudicator said: “All the production elements in this piece added together to give an authentic atmosphere with a very creative and strong ending. It was an engaging piece of storytelling.” The Tick of the Clock by American playwright Ron Dune was being performed for the first time outside the USA. The cast included several members making their festival debut and was very well received by the audience. The main characters were played by Fergus McClure, Huw Hodson, Hope Rowley, Ruby Harfield and Fiona Edgar with the Forest track near Burnfoot, New Galloway, by Miriam Stevenson. empathy as he looked up without much held hope of reuniting it with its partner. Turning suddenly to the unexpected sound of her relieved exclamation, endless summer sea blue eyes beheld never forgotten deep brown ones. A ready smile, so spontaneous – unbetraying of previous hurts, chased Spring showers forever away. Miriam says: “...I was thinking how emotions can match the changing of nature’s seasons...the seasons of our lives reflecting the world around us.” non-speaking, but very active, street people ably led by Dante Newbery and Megan Oliver. “The piece mainly relies on Don, the central character played by Fergus McClure, to be a strong performer and indeed he was. I was impressed with this performer’s change in character from one with low self-esteem to one with confidence” the adjudicator remarked: “Also, the movement and freezing of all the characters was very well executed.” Summing up, he said: “This was an engaging piece of theatre which kept our interest sustained throughout.” The plays were directed by Brian Edgar and Zoe Kirkpatrick who were both delighted with all three performances and also the high marks, constructive feedback and encouragement received from the adjudicator. The icing on the cake was perhaps the positive reaction of the audience shown to all three plays culminating in them voting Bar & Ger as their favourite play of the week. All three plays were performed again at CatStrand in March to a very appreciative full house. Glenkens Gazette page 12 GRAHAM COSTELLO’S STRATA a review by Liam Russell Jazz is an opportunity for gifted musicians to showcase their abilities, and for music lovers to immerse themselves in an emotive musical environment for a short period of time. In February we were fortunate enough to have Scottish Jazz Awards Best Band nominees Graham Costello’s Strata perform an intimate show at Catstrand. Strata are a band consisting of some of the most exceptional and respected players in Scotland. The group comprises six members: Graham Costello on drums and composition, Liam Shortall on trombone, Fergus McCreadie on piano, Joe Williamson on guitar, Mark Hendry on bass and Harry Weir on tenor saxophone. Alongside the nomination mentioned previously, they have also been noted as one of Jazzwise Magazine’s “Ones to Watch in 2019” and run a monthly residency in Glasgow’s Bloc. The band describe their music as blending “stylistic elements of jazz, minimalism, and celebrated progressive/noise bands together with a strong DIY ethic, winning over audiences with towering dynamics and a raw and genuine enthusiasm”. Having witnessed their staggering performance in the flesh, I can assure you that this interpretation is a modest one. Being a personal fan of minimalist artists such as Steve Reich and Phillip Glass, it was inspiring to see the same principals put across by a group of young jazz musicians. The band are also well known for the improvisational nature of their pieces, which was subject to a stunning execution on the night as each member sank back into the groove, each becoming a cornerstone of the overall composition. The “noise music” element to the music was nothing like I had ever heard before, with the saxophone resonating animalistic cries around the room and the keys creating an atonal platform for the band to play off. Dynamically, the contrast between movements was astounding, while transitions remained smooth. Some of my personal favourite moments were when we were invited to listen intently to parts of the performance that were solely piano. These were the moments where it was apparent that the audience were completely transfixed. In fact, one of the things I found most remarkable was this profound effect the music had on audience members. The fluidity of the music, paired with the dimly lit auditorium and the technical ability of the group resulted in what I can only describe as an entrancing experience. This was met with respectful silence as eyes followed the movements of the group as they proved their place within Scottish jazz. Graham Costello’s Strata released their debut album OBELISK in February which is available on major streaming platforms. I recommend that you feed your hunger for new music with this work and do your upmost to catch this six-piece wonder whenever you can. I’ll be back for more at the next Dark Sky Jazz night at CatStrand where Fergus McCreadie, the pianist with the group, returns with his trio on Friday 10 May. Graham Costello’s Strata performing at CatStrand © Ian Biggar Glenkens Gazette page 13 What’s Been Happening with LING A sparkling night Those attending the LING AGM on 28 February were in good spirits, partly because of the glass of something sparkling, but also because of the good news about the LING finances. The year’s surplus was 50% more than the previous year and the New Galloway Town Hall’s bookings are on the up and up. In addition, the Board reported lots of activity taking place in the renovation of the walled garden in the Garroch Estate and the restoration of pathways for walkers in the Golf Course woodlands and the Garroch Estate. These are partnership projects with Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership under the heading of ‘Exploring New Galloway’. Exciting times The principal news was that LING has ‘won’ grants worth nearly £20,000. Most of this is devoted to a viability study to examine the implications if LING were to take over the ownership of the Town Hall from Dumfries & Galloway Council. We are very grateful indeed to our sponsors who, strangely, all made the decision on exactly the same day just before Christmas and all awarded us the full asking amount. Grants were received from National Lottery Awards for All, who have given us £4000, Architectural Heritage, who have granted £5000, and National Lottery Heritage Fund who have awarded £6000. There will be four strands to this viability testing process, starting with a community consultation to see what support there is for the Town Hall amongst the local residents. An architectural survey and options study will explore what needs culminating in the creation of to be done to keep the building externally mounted display boards structurally sound and what could with a specially produced heritage be done to adapt it to meet our map of the smallest Royal Burgh, needs, in particular how to make it highlighting places of interest and fully accessible. A feasibility study their history, and a related website will assess what kind of income called ‘The New Galloway Story’, stream could be generated and what which can offer a great deal more personnel structures and support information and provide a framework would be needed. Finally, a five-year for hosting a range of potential Business Plan would be drawn up future contributions. as a guide for future developments Another lucky winner and a support document for the And finally, on the night of the more substantive grant bids that AGM, another winner was announced would then be needed to support the - Tom Carlyle was presented with renovation work on the building. £50 from the Friends of the Town LING Trustees are delighted Hall draw. There are two draws a to announce the appointment year for a £50 prize for Friends of of Creetown Initiative Ltd, in the Town Hall. The next will take conjunction with ARPL Architects, to place at the Cheese and Wine conduct the viability testing on our Fundraiser in September. If you’d behalf. We look forward very much like to be in the draw next time to working with them. Exciting times round, you can become a ‘Friend’ for indeed! £5 a month in support of the Town Celebrating heritage Hall. Just contact our Treasurer, Bob The icing on the cake was the Glaister, at rtdglaister@aol.com award of another grant of £4,480 The LING Committee for ‘The New Galloway Story’ from the Galloway Glens Landscape partnership. This is a heritage project, which we hope will become a collaborative venture involving the many interested parties in and around New Galloway. It will build on several projects LING and others have already been developing, Lucky winner, Tom Carlyle, receives his £50 note. New Galloway Events Committee To date the events committee, a subcommittee of Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING), has held a Christmas Concert in 2017, a Picnic in the Park in May 2018 and a St Andrews Concert in December 2018. Donations have been made to Kells school, the Cubs & Beavers, and towards the commemorative bench sited near the war memorial. Money raised from the raffle and donations at the St Andrews Concert enabled £200 to be given towards lighting for the floodlit activities for children in the park. We will continue with just two events a year, always with free entry but with any donations going towards community causes. In 2019 we are planning another Picnic in the Park (even though there is no Royal Wedding to celebrate this time!) on Sunday 9 June. It is hoped that this event can be the combined with Kells School’s 55th anniversary celebrations and that the pupils can take an active part. Any suggestions for this event would be most welcome, as well as ideas of where you would like any profits to be donated – always local. The now traditional event at Christmas will be a community concert in New Galloway Town Hall on Sunday 1 December, followed by a piper leading us to the CatStrand where there will be mulled wine and the Christmas light switch-on. Joan Walker EXCITING TIMES FOR THE G Glenkens Gazette page 14 As we approach the end of our first year of the 5-year delivery phase of the Galloway Glens scheme, many of our projects are really ramping up. Thanks to all our partners and volunteers who are working so hard on connecting people with their heritage or on supporting sustainable communities. Hopefully you’ve started to see some projects happening near you, and you can see a beautiful video overview of the Scheme on YouTube now – search for Galloway Glens. Thanks are due as ever to our main funder, the Heritage Lottery, to Dumfries and Galloway Council, to the Biosphere and to all our many other project partners. On this page is a snapshot of some of the Galloway Glens projects that have particular relevance to the Glenkens – for more details of all 35 projects, see our website www.gallowayglens.org Our Heritage Grants Awarded We’ve given our first award of funding through the Our Heritage Small Grants Scheme, with four new projects supported this time. These are: • Helping ‘Butterfly Conservation’ run mothtrapping nights undertaken by residents around the area and purchase moth traps and equipment. • Supporting Local Initiatives in New Galloway to install information boards and create a website recognising New Galloway’s history as the smallest Royal Burgh in Scotland. • Assisting the volunteers at the Carsphairn Heritage Group to digitise and publish historical records. • Helping the South West Community Woodlands Trust plant and raise awareness of local heritage fruit & nut trees, run pruning & grafting courses and host an ‘Apple Festival’ in the summer. The next deadline for Small Grant (up to £5,000) applications is 12 April. If you have a project that might fit, do visit our website at www.gallowayglens.org to see our criteria and the application process. The Biosphere Experience This Southern Upland Partnership-led project is exploring the positive impact that experiential tourism could have on the area. The first tours are available to book now through their Facebook page ‘ Galloway’, or if you are a tourism business in the are like to know more about working in partnership on t contact Laura Davidson at laura@sup.org.uk. Mossdale Railway line Work has been completed on improvement of an 8 mile stretch of the old railway line between the Mossdale and Gatehouse stations. The walking / cycling path is now much more accessible and includes a replacement bridge at Loch Skerrow and improved surfacing. The work has been done in partnership with Dumfries and Galloway Council and is matchfunded by the IPA scheme. Loch Ke Ban We have been the New Gallow Association in t to better mana fishing pitches side of Loch Ke improve access users. Business A Our 2019 Business programme (in par Business Gateway) a great start, with attending the first t Accommodation Pro Creative Businesse have commented o and relevance of th specific information free event is aimed and Drink producer in Castle Douglas in Helen on helen.ker gov.uk for more inf If you missed an ev was relevant to you presenters’ notes a on www.gallowaygl resources Biosphere Explorers at Dalry Hi Dalry High School John Muir Award students had a chilly but enjoyab Ayrshire Biosphere in January, with two workshops organised by the Shalla Gray, from the Chrichton Carbon Centre. They first went to the Bellymack Farm in Laurieston to learn about the successful reintroduc RSPB and other conservation groups. The following week (after more took the students around Dalry and told them some of the many my This page is sponsored by the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership For further details contact McNabb Laurie, Gall GALLOWAY GLENS SCHEME Glenkens Gazette ‘Experience ea who would this project, en West nk supporting way Angling their efforts age their on the west en, and also s for all Academy s Academy rtnership with ) has got off to over 60 people two events for oviders and es. Attendees on the quality he sectorn. The next d at small Food rs and will be n April. Email ron@dumgal. formation. vent that u, the are published lens.org/ page 15 Heritage Hubs Work continues at Dalry Town Hall, Crossmichael Church Hall and the Old Smiddy in Balmaclellan to create a series of Heritage Hubs across the area. They will all have a different theme and aim, but are all led by teams of local volunteers looking to make the most of their village, and their heritage. If you’d like to get involved with these, contact the teams directly or through Nick on nick.chisholm@dumgal.gov.uk Exploring New Galloway Work progresses to bring the Garroch Estate Garden back to life. Huge progress has been made by the Local Initiatives in New Galloway volunteers to revive the Garroch Estate walled garden, which is one of the largest and most notable examples in the area. Work has included the clearance of scrub and undergrowth, rescue of historic plants and trees and creation of new planting area to create a blooming and productive community garden. Future plans include the provision of an eco-friendly composting toilet for visitors and volunteers. Work has also progressed well on the footpaths of the golf club woods, which are looking noticeably more loved. High School ble foray into the Galloway & Southern ‘Biosphere Explorers’ Project Officer, e Red Kite Feeding Station at ction of Red Kites to Scotland by the e snow!), local storyteller Tony Bonning yths and legends associated with Dalry. Ken Words Writing Project The Ken Words writing project, in partnership with GCAT, is now well underway with a new Writers’ Café having started up in Kirkcudbright on the first Thursday of the month. The established Glenkens Writers’ Café at CatStrand continues to open its doors on the second Thursday of the month, 7-9pm. Both cafés are free to drop-in to and welcome anyone interested in developing their writing and meeting like-minded people in an informal, friendly setting. Ken Words are also becoming known for their ‘Poetry Walks’ - the next of which is in Barhill Wood, Kirkcudbright, on Sunday 28 April. Please contact Jane McBeth on jane.kenwords@gmail.com for more details. Can You Dig It? Our Community Archaeology programme ‘Can You Dig It’ has got off to a great start, with workshops, surveys and digs starting in March. All events are free and open to all, whether you’re already an enthusiast or just want to find out more. Glenkens sites are hoped to include work at Polmaddy and the Raiders Road. To keep up to date, follow Can You Dig It (@GGLPArchaeology) on Facebook or Twitter or sign up to the email newsletter via Helen on Helen.keron@dumgal.gov.uk. Thanks to Historic Environment Scotland for their matched funding of this fantastic project. Place Names of the Galloway Glens The ‘Place Names of the Galloway Glens’ project, in partnership with Glasgow University, is now well underway and Gilbert Markus is giving a talk at the CatStrand on Saturday 30th March at 2:30pm with The Glenkens Story about his initial findings and thoughts. Book tickets early if you’d like to go – Glenkens Story events usually sell out! p Scheme, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Dumfries & Galloway Council. loway Glens Team Leader, on mcnabb.laurie@dumgal.gov.uk Glenkens Gazette page 16 GIVING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE A VOICE World Book Day 2019 In March it was World Book Day. Caeden & Daniel, Kells Primary: In the morning we had breakfast. There was Nutella, croissants, pain au chocolate, oranges, bananas, apple juice, orange juice, water and crunchy bread. We did paired reading for forty five minutes. Afterwards we did a catwalk so we could see everybody’s costumes and try and guess who they were dressed up as. There were a couple of Hermione Grangers and some Matildas and one Boy In The Dress. After lunch we did a quiz about books. Then we designed either a bookmark or book themed bunting I did some bunting. Daniel did some bunting. He coloured in his in. Then it was home time. Next year we would like to play some games in the hall. Christie & Charlie, Dalry Primary: Everyone from Dalry Primary School dressed up as their favourite book character. Christy and Jamie went round each class and took photographs of the children dressed up. Some people dressed up as Where’s Wally, Cat in the Hat, Dumbledore and Harry Potter. Each class got split up and sent into different classrooms to read their favourite book to someone else. Some people’s favourite books were Horrid Henry, Harry Potter and Minecraft. After that we came back into class and did an activity from the board. Some of the activities were making a poster and making a survey on our favourite book. In Devil’s Porridge Trip Glenkens Cluster p47s went on a visit to the Devil’s Porridge Museum. Courtney and Jamie (Dalry Primary) report: We went to the museum because we were learning about WWII. When we arrived we were greeted by a lady and a man. Then we went upstairs to have a talk about rationing. We learned that ladies painted their legs with gravy so it looked like they were wearing stockings. After an interesting talk we had a break then went into another room. In the other room another lady talked about where bombs fell in Gretna. Lunch was straight after. Once we had lunch the P6 and P7 split up. The P6s went upstairs to dress up. While the P7s tasted some carrot Pupils enjoying a book on World Book Day. the afternoon we all made some bookmarks. To finish off our day we made a Harry Potter-themed poem and that was the end of World Book Day. group and a P6-7 group and we learnt about WW2 stuff. Then we got to try carrot cookies, carrot lemonade, carrot rolls and carrot cupcakes. Then we learnt about rationing and tried on World War clothes. We went outside to see an Anderson shelter. Next time we would like to learn more about rationing. cookies, lemonade and a roll. The P7s also went into a pretend Anderson shelter outside. It was cosy but not spacious. The P6s went into a house displayed in the museum. She showed us an old bath tub, and how they used to live. Then we rotated. Overall we really enjoyed this trip and fully recommend it to all. Sam and Hannah (Kells Primary) report: We went to the museum because of our new topic World War 2. When we got on the bus I sat next to Alex. On the way there, we got on the first bus with some people from Dalry and Carsphairn. Some pupils trying out WW2-style When we got there clothing and equipment. we split into a P4-5 Getting Active at Dalry Primary School Every Monday at lunchtime, we have a dance club at Dalry Primary School. Coach Mairi and coach Sophie from ‘Let’s Get Sporty’, teach us different dances. We practice the dances and then we get to add our own moves to them. This makes it fun because we get to make our own routines. We also get to choose the music to go with the routines. We have learned new dance moves, practiced them each week and know we are all really good at them. Football Club: Football club is on every Tuesday, after school, at Dalry Primary. Children from Dalry, Kells and Carshpairn all come along to have fun and play football. The coaches are Mrs Houston from Dalry and Mrs Welsh from Kells Primary. At training we learn how to get into a space so that the ball isn’t crowded, how to dribble and play lots of fun matches. All these skills have helped us to get better at playing football. Dalry p4/5 class Glenkens Gazette page 17 GIVING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE A VOICE Kells Recorder Win at the Galloway Music Festival Fiona, Reahanne, Megan and Sophie all went on a very long, tiring journey all the way to Newton Stewart to play their recorders at the Galloway Music Festival! Eventually we arrived at the Galloway Music Festival. In we went, ready to compete against groups from other schools. We were the only group that weren’t playing in unison as all four of us were playing different parts. We were also the only group who were playing different types of recorders unlike the others who all played descant recorders. Fiona and Reahanne played tenor (which more than a few passers-by were staring at because of the immense size of them. Megan played descant and Sophie played treble. We hope you might be pleased to hear that we won! Not only one trophy, not even two trophies but three gleaming trophies came back to Kells on the bus. Megan and Sophie played an amazing duet and Sophie played a solo - wow Sophie you must have been tired! We were immensely happy with our success and also enjoyed listening to everyone else perform so well done to everyone else who took part! Thank you to all the teachers and adults who helped us. Fiona and Reahanne, P7 Forest Fun at Kells Primary Carsphairn Each week Kells Primary pupils spend some time outside doing Forest Schools activities. Rosie, Megan & Evie, p4-7 class, Kells Primary: Every Friday the Primary 4-7 go and do a thing called Forest Friday. The site is near the fire station and we made a bridge out of fallen branches that we walk across to get over the river. We call the site the Savannah because when we went there in summer the grass had turned a dark shade of yellow and it reminded us of a Savannah like place. We have a fire and we sometimes cook hot chocolate and bananas with chocolate. We are planning to make a proper shelter so when it rains we can go inside and be nice and warm. A few weeks ago we went exploring on an expedition and since our topic is World War Two we pretended that some of us were German spies and the rest of us had to find out who those spies were. Near the end we got to have a small game of tag but it was the Battle of Britain so we were all in imaginary spitfires. Sometimes if it’s warm enough, like that week in February we got to play in the river but when we get cold we sit by the fire. Another game of tag we play is called Chita tag where you hide and when “Chita” finds you, you have five seconds to run away. Io Heyes, p1-3 class, Kells Primary: Last Tuesday it was Forest School Day when we made bricks. First we put some ingredients in the mould to make the bricks. The first ingredients in the mould were clay and water. Then we put some straw in the mould. Next we put some mud in the mould. Above left: Pupils enjoying outdoor cooking at their Forest School sessions. Above right: Brick making by Oscar Hudson. Primary School Carsphairn’s two current pupils report on what they have been doing over the last couple of months... Crawford: We have had Tag Rugby this term with John Muir every Friday at Dalry school. Primary 6/7 took part. I liked it because this time I didn’t sprain my ankle like I did in the past. We also go every week to do ball skills with Let's Get Sporty. We have learned about netball, football, rugby and I really enjoyed the basketball skills because I like shooting and defending. I am good at blocking the ball and marking others. I liked going to the sporting activities because I also get to see my friends at Dalry. Naomi: We went to Deep Sea World in Edinburgh and it took approximately three hours to get there. Mrs Welsh and I got really scared when we went over the new Forth Road Bridge. My favourite part of the day was going to see the seals being fed because the man was making them do tricks and it was hilarious to watch. For lunch I had pizza, Mrs Welsh had mac'n'cheese and Crawford had a burger - it was scrumptious! We were sure that everyone looked at us and thought we were Mrs Welsh's own children! The day was a really fun experience and I would love to go again some time. Glenkens Gazette page 18 Dalry Secondary BEING A SCHOOL VOLUNTEER School Update Dalry First Aiders Mrs Acheson (Modern Languages) and Mrs Stockwell (English) have completed a First Aid At Work training course. They learned how to provide treatment for a wide range of situations and had practical experience assessing injuries, bandaging wounds, and performing CPR. World Book Day: Dalry Primary and Secondary celebrated World Book Day – it was fabulous to see Gandalf and Professor McGonagall wandering the hallways! Thanks to Mrs Newbury, who made the library into a bookworm’s paradise for the day. Story Writing Competition: Pupils are taking part in a short story writing competition on the theme of ‘contamination’! Grim, dystopian fictions have been created thus far by S2 pupils, with the added challenge that the story must be no longer than 100 words. Closing date is early April and the prizes are great. Good luck to all entrants. Star Skater! S3 pupil Grace Jeffery-Temple travelled all the way to Valenciennes in northern France with a team of synchronised skaters to participate in an international competition. The team, Solway Eclipse, performed to the Addams Family theme, wearing Gothic costumes which included spiders in their hair. Their long journey by bus and on the Eurostar was well worth it and they came a very respectable fourth place against stiff competition. Well done, Grace! GLENKENS ROUTE Thursdays: 12noon-1pm – Crossmichael 1-2pm – Parton/Loch Ken Holiday Park 2-4pm – Balmaclellan area 4-5.30pm – The Hidden Road Fridays: 8-10.30am – Dalry 10.30-11am – Glenlee Area 11am – New Galloway 12noon – New Galloway Shop 2pm – Mossdale area 3-4pm – Laurieston to Gatehouse Please note that all times are approximate. 07966 103 912 charliecoid@hotmail.com Fleet Fish aims to provide top quality produce which is sourced as locally as possible. We take pride in offering friendly door-to-door service tailored to our customers’ needs. There are lots of ways that parents and others help out at Kells. We thought we would like to ask some of them a bit about it, so we’re going to interview a few people who are involved with Kells Primary School. In this issue of the Gazette we spoke to Sam Cartwright, a dad who does the weekly Forest Tuesdays and Moulding bricks. Fridays. Sam is a joiner and helps us with making everything from bridges to brick moulds, amongst lots of other things. Sometimes he can’t come because of work, but he always tries to be there as much as possible. We asked Sam what he likes most about helping out at the Forest Friday/Tuesdays. He said: “I enjoy getting outside with the children, having fun and going on adventures. It’s a great feeling when the children look up to you and I also enjoy having the extra time with my own children. I wasn’t able to do anything like this before due to work commitments, and the size of the school where we lived before just didn’t allow it to do anything like this. I think it helps the children get a better understanding of the outdoors and realise there’s more to do than just playing X-Box... I wish I had this when I was at school.” A huge thank you to all the mums and dads, grans and grandads, school staff and everyone in the community who supports us by coming to our events, making cakes, doing sports and outdoor activities with us, coming on outings, helping us with our reading, helping out the teachers and joining in parent council meetings... and lots more, at home and at school! At the moment we especially need help with DIY, planting in the garden and setting up our polytunnel, and are always looking for extra help in the classroom or admin - it can be one-off help or longer term, and you don’t have to be related to a child in the school. Please give the school office a call on 01644 420 374 between 9am and 1pm for more info. Kells Primary School OOPS! Thank you very much to everyone who got in touch about the 50-year anniversary of the Kells Primary School building - it turns out we got our dates wrong and it’s 55 this year...! But we’re still excited and working on a celebration of Kells School past and present in the summer term. So please keep your memories of the school coming! Mary Smith Glenkens Gazette page 19 Messy Times at Bright Stars Glenkens Community Nursery or, as it is better known, Bright Stars, has been getting rather messier than usual! The Nursery, based at the Glenkens Community centre, has been holding a ‘Messy Play’ morning on the first Wednesday of each month for under 2s (and their adults) to come along to join in with the session. Each session has a theme. So far we have had fireworks, Christmas, boxes, winter and rainbow colours. Each session has a variety of different sensory experiences for the of the world and to develop their communication and language playing with and alongside their peers. The children all have a snack together beforehand and parents and carers get a chance to have a coffee and chat. All are welcome!” The sessions have proved popular and the Nursery is considering running an afternoon session as well. The Nursery has recently been inspected by the Care Inspectorate who gave it an unanimously positive review with Grades of 4 in every category and no requirements or recommendations for the service. “We are delighted at this report,” said Helen Keron, GCAT board representative. “It is a testament to the huge amount of work put in by Rachel and her team, plus the massive support that the parent volunteers give to them. Parent support is vital to community groups like this and we need the engagement from the parents to support and keep the Nursery going.” Messy Play runs on the first Wednesday of each month 10-11.30 and is only £3 per child (siblings £1 extra) and this includes a healthy snack for the children and a tea/ coffee for parent/carer Bright Stars sessions are open to children from their 2nd birthday and run 9-12 & 12-3 with the option of back-to-back sessions and pick-up from Dalry ELC. You can enrol at any point in the year but early enrolment is advised as some of our sessions are currently oversubscribed. Find us on facebook @BrightStarsGlenkens Bright Stars is a Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) project. support people in a situation where they need help the most, and has decided that doing a sponsored head shave is the way he wants to raise money. If you would like to support Daniel in his fundraising efforts, there are sponsor forms and collection boxes in Hair by Jayne, Wright’s Shop in Dalry and New Galloway Community Shop. Daniel Roberts wearing his Kells Primary school uniform, raring to go... The Nursery has recently been inspected by the Care inspectorate who gave it an unanimously positive review with Grades of 4 in every category... babies and children to explore - ice, paint, foam, rice, water and jelly to name a few. Nursery Manager, Rachel Hudson, explains the benefits: “Messy Play allows young children to be creative, to aid their understanding DANIEL’S CLOSE SHAVE Seven-year-old Daniel Roberts from Mossdale will be shaving his head to raise money for charity. He has decided to book in at Dalry’s Hair by Jayne on Tuesday 9 April to raise money for the Beatson Cancer Charity. Daniel’s mum Chrissy said: “Daniel has seen a number of people in his circle of family and friends being afflicted by cancer, and this has inspired him.” Daniel is determined that he wants to do something to Glenkens Gazette page 20 Missing Rolls of Honour Appeal Some sources state that, in 1914, the Church of Scotland issued advice/ guidance that all churches should create and maintain a Roll of Honour of all men who were serving in the war (The Great War or World War One). Probably without exception, the churches did this and, by custom, the names of those who were killed came to be marked with a cross or similar. The Rolls of Honour (ROH) were on paper, and ecclesiastical suppliers of the time produced suitable printed forms. Many of these have survived but many have not. As well as the Church of Scotland, most other churches seem to have done the same. From time-to-time these ROH turn up having been forgotten for decades; the Southwick ROH was discovered amongst old papers in 2012, and two WW1 ROH for congregational churches were found in Dumfries in February of this year. It seems likely that the same procedure was followed in WW2 but, in the Glenkens, none of these paper Rolls of Honour are known to survive for either war. This is particularly sad because these ROH are often the only record of service of those who survived, a significant number of WW1 records having been destroyed in the Blitz in WW2. They are therefore valuable to those carrying out local history or family history research and for future generations. The following memorials (to soldiers who served and survived) do exist and were probably created from the information on the original rolls: Dalry Town Hall WW1 and WW2, Balmaclellan WW2 Book, Kells (New Galloway) WW2 memorial in the Town Hall and the Carsphairn United Free Church WW1 plaque (now in the parish church). This, unfortunately, still leaves very large gaps in the records and all the original ROH missing. If you know of the existence of any of these ROH or even evidence of their previous existence (photos, newspaper cuttings, etc) then please get in touch. It is not my intention to initiate relocating any that can be found but rather to record them online for the Scottish Military Research Group, the War Memorials Trust and the Imperial War Museum so that the information is freely available to all. Thank you, Paul Goodwin, memorials@paulgoodwin.me.uk ULTRASOUND PREGNANCY SCANNING ����������������� �������������������������������� ��������������������������������� ��������������������� ����������������������������� For bookings and info: Duncan Kennedy 07860 474001 dk@passcan.co.uk www.passcan.co.uk Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN A Minister Of Agriculture Samuel Smith, the son of a farmer at Craigmuie, Balmaclellan, was born in 1757. He studied at Edinburgh University serving for a time as tutor to the family of David Blair of Borgue before he was ordained as minister to Carsphairn in 1783. Nine years later he translated to Borgue where he died in 1816. It was said of him that “he took a deep interest in agricultural improvement, and had considerable experience as a practical farmer. He was tall, of slender figure, with a slight bend in his gait, of slow deliberate speech, acute observation, independent thinking, extensive education and liberal sentiments”. His first known publication was the entry for Carsphairn in the pioneering Statistical Account of Scotland (1792), followed a year later by that for Borgue. His son, also Samuel, wrote the Borgue entry, somewhat derivative of his father’s earlier contribution, for the New Statistical Account (1843). Sam Senior deserves to be remembered for his book General View of the Agriculture of Galloway published in 1810 at a moment of epochal transition in Galloway farming. As a minister he was well placed in each of the kirks that he served in to collect information on a daily basis as he went about his business, whether the informants were landowners, farmers, agricultural servants, cottars or the poor, not forgetting their wives. In Statistical Account he states that woods had abounded in Carsphairn until about 150 years earlier. “Formerly iron mines were wrought” until the wood for charcoal was exhausted. Modern opinion has doubted the accuracy of his information. However, at the very least he may be remarking on exploration for iron in the vicinity in the midseventeenth century, a period which coincides with the request made by local residents to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland for the establishment of a church, following the creation of the new parish of Carsphairn, carved out of the parishes of Kells and Dalry. Gold mines were in operation in the Lowther Hills in the reign of James VI; prospecting for lead and iron followed. At the date suggested, however vaguely, by Smith, metal extraction was taking place not that far away from Carsphairn. It is also likely that in a place such as Upper Glenkens, where there was very little change, unusual events such as testing for metals would be long remembered and assistant to Sir John Sinclair who was the inspiration behind the entire project. Smith’s book is clearly written and rich in detail. Under a section on rural economy he reports that women servants are paid around £8 per year, men between £14 and £20 but marriage is encouraged because couples receive a ‘benefit’ of a cottage, garden and fuel, and also as much corn or meal and potatoes as are needed for their families and sometimes a cow or a pig. Coal is expensive. Peat is mixed with water and baked into loaves, a method thought to be unique to Galloway. A revolution in roadmaking was underway. Roads were no longer, if they ever had been, fit for purpose. In the old days horses or folk on foot were expected to take hills in their stride but such roads, often designed to avoid low-lying marshes, were no use when wheeled carts became the norm. Smith belabours the point that roads must be as level as possible, as must bridges. Lord Daer and the Earl of Selkirk showed the way and many copied their example, some Galloway landowners considering expenditure of large sums on roadbuilding a worthwhile investment. Life in the countryside was never easy. Smith was a humane individual who regretted that the poor cottagers were often denied milk, while even beer was beyond their reach due to the high duty on malt. “Hence they are driven to substitute tea, a useless and enervating liquor, though the only thing like luxury, which they can afford”. We will return to General View in a future issue. Ted Cowan Life in the countryside was never easy. Smith was a humane individual who regretted that the poor cottagers were often denied milk, while even beer was beyond their reach... the promise of future wealth longingly anticipated. Smith, of course, mainly discussed agriculture but he submitted a separate paper apparently complaining that folk had objected to various omissions in his text which, he claimed, were due to the editorial incompetence of the series editors in Edinburgh who had removed sections of his manuscript. Incidentally one such functionary was Robert Heron of New Galloway; though there is no evidence that he was responsible for the Carsphairn entry he might have been, since he worked as an Glenkens Gazette page 22 Mind Yir Language “Mind yir language” is the message at a conference titled The Speak of Galloway being held in the Glenkens this autumn. Key speakers have now been announced and booking has opened for the day-long gathering on 7 September at the CatStrand. The conference will examine the Scots leid - or tongue - as spoken in Galloway, wth speakers exploring the origins of Gallovidian Scots, its present usage and prospects of survival. Professor Jeremy Smith of Glasgow University, a specialist in the history of the English and Scots languages, will give the keynote address and Professor J Derrick McLure will delve into John Mactaggart’s Scottish Gallovidian Encyclopaedia. Haud Yir Tongue and Mind Yir Language is the arresting title of Margaret Fergusson’s talk. She has recently completed a study of Scots as spoken in the South West and the attitudes to its use. Chris Rollie, well-known local ornithologist and language enthusiast, will speak on Bird Names in Dumfries and Galloway while self-professed poet and lad o’ pairts Rab Wilson will address The Scots Language and Cormilligan: Today and Tomorrow. This is the second conference on Galloway’s linguistic heritage and is organised by the same team - Ted Cowan, Michael Ansell and Mike Brown - that produced last year’s event on the Gaelic legacy in the southwest. Tickets are available from the CatStrand. Priced £30 (fulltime students £20) tickets include coffee and tea on arrival and mid-morning and a buffet lunch. 13th April 11th May 10am-12.30pm For further information or to book a stall ring 01644 430 454 or visit www.dalrytownhall.co.uk Entrance by donation - proceeds towards Dalry Town Hall Refurbishment Fund North of Castle Douglas, A713 Ayr Road Glenkens Gazette page 23 Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Susan Currie with a lovely photo of two Clydesdale horses by Dalry. Susan wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s Sunday carvery. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “As always, all the entries were great, but the picture of ‘bookend’ horses does it for us!” How to Enter: any photos taken in the Glenkens can be entered - landscapes, wildlife, portraits, action shots... Email them to glenkensga zette@hotmail.co.uk If you are a winner the Gazette will send you out a voucher - please call the Ken Bridge to book your meal, and make sure to take your winner’s voucher along with you. Glenkens Gazette page 24 Glenkens Gazette page 25 FOUND OBJECT MYSTERY SOLVED In the last issue a photograph of a mystery object was printed, along with a request for any knowledge of what it might be. Chris got in touch and solved the mystery. He said: “The object is a solid link used by electric distribution companies for switching on high voltage overhead lines. “The round end sits in a insulator and allows the whole unit to be swung up by insulated rods from ground level so the bladed end clicks into another insulator above. This makes the circuit or if removed breaks the circuit. The item is probably no more that thirty years old.” Thanks Chris! Local Police Update I have been up and about the Glenkens as much as possible lately, with a couple of things that have been going on. Carlos the Carrot has been resident in Wright’s Shop lately, perking customers up with his humour and cheery disposition. Pictured: Susan Currie, who works at Wright’s, with Carlos. SUPPORT THE RNLI The Glenkens fundraising committee of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) will be holding its annual fundraising Coffee Evening on Thursday 23 May in Dalry Town Hall at 7pm. As well as coffees and teas there will be a tombola stall, home baking, plants, books and RNLI souvenirs. And the usual wonderful array of raffle prizes. There will also be a special surprise presentation so do not miss this event! Firstly, can I just say the Drop In for Dalry Police Station is on 1 April from 3-4.30pm, so anyone wishing to speak with the police can pop in and I or one of my colleagues will be there. From a policing point of view last month we were carrying out patrols of Dalry and came across numerous youths hanging about the street. Some of these youths were found in possession of a quantity of herbal cannabis, which has been reported. A lot of the information in relation to this came from residents of the town and I thank them for their assistance. I would like to remind you to keep reporting anything you think is untoward or if you have any concerns, please contact us, in confidence if you wish. Dalry is s super wee town, as are the other Glenkens villages, and we want to keep it that way so we should all work together. If anyone would like to get in touch I can be contacted through 101 and will happily speak with anyone who has any issues. Tom Dingwall, Community Police Officer Cakes, Plants and Books The annual Cake and Plant Sale at St Margaret’s Church, New Galloway, will be held on Saturday 27 April from 10am to 12noon. Teas and coffees will be available and this year there will also be a book stall so definitely something for everyone! All the baking is homemade by members of the congregation and friends, and the plants include vegetable and flower annuals, perennials, shrubs and houseplants - all from local gardens. This year all profits from the sale will be split between guild funds and the Alexandra Unit in Dumfries. “We used the chimney sweep who advertised in the Gazette, and were very pleased... We did tell him we found him because he advertised in the Gazette!” Fiona Glenkens Gazette APRIL page 26 APRIL & MAY Mon 1, Dalry Police Station Drop-in, 3-4.30pm with PC Dingwall Tue 2, Biosphere Tour: Castles & Towers, see p5 Sun 7, Mairearad & Anna, 2.30pm, CatStrand Sun 7, GTI Bus Trip: Gardens of Excellence - Gardens of the Southwest, see p24 Tue 9, Puppet Animation Festival: Ladder to the Stars, 2.30pm, Dalry Town Hall, (age 3+) Thu 11, Biosphere Tour: Loch Ken, see p5 Sat 13, Sticky Fingers + Pure Silver, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 13, Glenkens Farmers Market, 10am-12.30pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p22 Mon 22, Easter Monday Movie: The Big Bad Fox & Other Tales (U), 2pm, CatStrand Tue 16, Shaper Caper: The Adventures of Isabel (followed by a workshop), 2pm, CatStrand, (ages 3-10) Wed 17, Open Stage, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 27, Energise Tour of Tongland Power Station & Artist Talks, see p22 Sat 27, Cake & Plant Sale, 10am12noon, St Margaret’s Church, New Galloway, see p25 Sun 28, Ken Words: Woodland Poetry Walk, 2-4.30pm, Barhill Wood, Kirkcudbright Tue 30, Exhibition On Screen: Rembrandt, 7.30pm, CatStrand MAY Wed 1, Dalry Police Station Drop-in, 10-11.30am with PC Dingwall Sat 4, John Reischman & the Jaybirds, 7.30pm, Crossmichael Memorial Hall Fri 10, Dark Sky Jazz: Fergus McCreadie Trio, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 11, Glenkens Farmers Market, 10am-12.30pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p22 Sat 11, James Grant, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 16, John Dean: A Scream In The Night + Film: Brighton Rock (PG), 7pm, CatStrand Sat 18, GTI Bus Trip: Gardens of Excellence - The Lakeland Garden, see p24 Tue 21, Connecting In Communities Spring Ukulele, 7pm, CatStrand Sun 26, Guitar Man, 2.30pm, CatStrand Thu 23, RNLI Coffee Evening, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p25 Tue 28, Oran Bagraidh, 7.30pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn (pre-event supper at Carsphairn Tea Rooms available when booking in advance), see p6 Wed 29, Dalry Film Club: Isle Of Dogs (PG), 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Fri 31, Cairn Chorus joined by the Galloway Agreement, 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall JUNE Sat 1, Coig, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sun 2, David Scheel, CatStrand: CANCELLED LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS Glenkens Community Shop: Contact Shirley McNaught on 07955 743 022 or drop by the charity shop on Main Street, Dalry on julia.higgins55@outlook.com Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING): Contact Ros Hill on ros.hill@rathanhouse.co.uk Schools: Pop into the school office or call Carsphairn on 01644 460 269, Dalry on 01644 430 105 (for Nursery, Primary & Secondary) or Kells on 01644 420 340 Dalry Communities Properties Trust (DCPT): Contact Andi Holmes on andiholmes@hotmail.com or 07729 292 126 Dalry Town Hall: Contact Jim Reid on 01644 430231 New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE): Contact Sam Rushton on 07741 656601 or samCEW@ newgallowaycommunity.shop or pop into New Galloway Community Shop Balmaclellan Community Trust: Contact Julia Higgins CatStrand: Contact Chris Jowsey at chris@catstrand.com 01644 420 374 or pop in to the CatStrand Bright Stars - Glenkens Communituy Nursery: Contact glenkenscommunitynursery@gmail.com Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP): Contact McNabb Laurie on mcnabb.laurie@dumgal.gov.uk If you would like to add your community organisation to this list please get in touch with the Gazette - contact details are on the back page. Glenkens Gazette page 27 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: New Galloway Town Hall: Film Makers’ Club, Mon 7-8.30pm Exercise to Music: Mon 9.30-10.30am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time) 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris Dance 2: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time) 4.30-5.15pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, 1st Tues of the month, 6-8pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab, Mon (termtime) 7-8.30pm, ages 12-18 Animation Club, Tues 4-6pm (starts 12 Feb then fortnightly) Gentle Tai Chi: Wed 10am Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed 2-3.30pm Game Tech, last Wed each month, 68pm Writers’ Cafe, 2nd Thurs each month 7-9pm Sing it Out, Thurs 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes, 1st & 3rd Thurs each month, 1–3.30pm Yoga, Tues 6.30-7.30pm & Thurs 9.1510.45am Learn the Whistle, (starts 28 Feb; 8week block. Ages 4-12 - 3.45-4.30pm; Age 12+ & Adults - 5-6.30pm). Contact chris@catstrand.com to find out more Zumba Gold, Fri (term-time) 9.3010.30am, CatStrand, 16+ Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry: Paint & Art, Mon 2-4pm (moving to NG Town Hall from end April) GCC Playgroup, Tues, Wed & Thurs 9.15-11.45am Guides, Tues 6-8pm Yoga, Wed 7.30-8.45pm, for info call Carylann on 07817 400 287 Brownies, Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts, Thurs 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group, Thurs 2-4pm Glenkens Children’s Club, Fri 10am12noon Paint & Art Group, Mon 2-4pm (moving from Glenkens Community Centre to NG Town Hall at end April) LING Elevenses & Lunches, Tues 11am-2pm Fast Broadband Access, Tues 11am2pm Table Tennis & Carpet Bowls, Tues 7-9pm Circuits, Tues 5.30-6.30pm Zumba, Wed 7.30-8.30pm, 11+ Circuits, Sat 8-9am Various Locations: Hatha Yoga, Mon 10-11.15am, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Carsphairn Post Office, Tues 1-3pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Dalry WI, 3rd Tues each month 2pm, Dalry Town Hall (except Jun, Jul & Aug) Beavers, Tues 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training, Tues & Thurs 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Mossdale Painters, Wed 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Youth Writing, 1st Thurs each month (during term time) 3.30-5pm, ages 1015, Dalry Library Kettlebells, Balmaclellan Village Hall, Thurs 6-7pm Carsphairn SWI, 3rd Thurs of the month, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, for further info call Christine on 01644 460 577 Coffee & Craft, Fri 9am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Bridge Hotel Scouts, Thu 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH TIMES CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sunday Services: Balmaclellan 9.45am: 1st. Carsphairn 11.15am: 1st,2nd,3rd,4th. Dalry 9.45am: 2nd, 4th. Kells 9.45am: 3rd. Special Services/Events: Stewartry Guilds Spring Fellowship, Kells Church, 10 Apr, 2.30pm. Good Friday Service, Balmaclellan Church, 19 Apr, 7.30pm. Guild Spring Teas, Dalry Town Hall, 20 Apr, 2–4pm. Easter Dawn Service, Carsphairn Church, 21 Apr, 7am. Quiz Night, Dalry Town Hall, 26 Apr, 7.30pm. Holy Communion, Dalry Church, 12 May, 9.45am. Conventicle, Kirkconnel monument, 12 May, 3pm. Plant Sale, Balmaclellan Hall, 25 May, 2–4pm. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed. CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Kirkcudbright: Sun Mass, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sat Mass, 5pm. Dru Yoga, Thu 12.30–2pm, Laurieston Village Hall Gentle Tai Chi, Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall Golf Junior Coaching, Sat 10-11: 30am, New Galloway Golf Course, see p8 Restoring Footpaths, Sat 10am1pm, phone 420 632 to confirm Junior Golf & Come-and-Try for all ages, New Galloway Golf Course, Sat 10am Men’s Shed, Old Smiddy, Balmaclellan. Opening times: Mon 9.30am-4pm & 6.30-8.30pm; Wed 9.30am-1pm & woodcarving from 24pm; Fri 9.30am-12noon. GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL 01644 420234 Dalry Library Tuesdays 10.30am-2pm Fridays 11am-4.30pm For further informa�on contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette DECISION NEEDED ON DALRY COMMUNITY PLOT Villagers have until early summer to make a final decision on whether they wish to take over a plot of land at Underhill in Dalry. The original site, acquired by the then District Council in the 1930s, has partly been developed into housing but the other half was left untouched, reserved as a potential burial ground. Dumfries & Galloway Council (DGC) recently determined the area was no longer required and was set to sell it off at auction until intervention by councillor Dougie Campbell. Dalry community is now to be given the opportunity to take over the plot if it has a viable use for it. page 28 Various ideas have already been floated, from community garden and play area to light industrial units, with other options including recycling/composting and allotments. It is up to the community to decide the use. However, if no viable decision is reached, DGC will auction the land and the community will have no say in any subsequent development. A community survey on the subject will be carried out during the spring to gauge local opinion and Underhill resident Nikki Finch The potential plot available for community purchase at Underhill, Dalry. is already discussing the matter with her neighbours. If you have any ideas for the land at Underhill, or wish to get in this community project, please involved contact Nikki on 01644 430 595. Wright’s Shop & Post Office ‘CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR 2018’ - three changing cask ales & cider - fresh, seasonal & local food - open all day every day - award-winning food, beer & atmosphere - en-suite accommodation - 20% off takeaway discount - country sport & walkers facilities - 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk Dalry’s local convenience store • licensed grocers • • newsagents • stocking a range of local suppliers • Express Bakery bread • • Irvings biscuits & cakes • • Ballards & Dalmellington Country Butchers meat & pies • • Mitchells fruit & veg • Shop & Post Office open 7 days Monday to Friday 7am–6pm Saturday 8am–6pm Sunday 8.30am–4pm Tel 01644 430 225 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk JUNE/JULY COPY DEADLINE: 5 MAY Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.co.uk The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 111 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_111 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2019 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/256/GlenkensGazette110.pdf 87b1130f14e5557d2d7cde965bf9c50a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 110 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE News from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry February/March 2019 ISSUE 110 FREE THE HIDDEN BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING Here in the Glenkens we’re incredibly lucky to have such a strong sense of community. However, it has been shown that people are feeling increasingly alienated from their communities, which in turn leads to less community involvement and all kinds of psychological and physiological health problems in individuals. In a recent study, it was found that almost 70% of the population in the UK regard themselves as lonely – these are epidemic proportions. One of the ways to allow people to feel more connected to those people around them, and therefore find a greater sense of personal fulfillment, is to volunteer within their local community. “Our social connections are fundamental to our daily experience, to the ways that we make meaning in our lives and to quality of life and life satisfaction. At best, being socially connected – and having roles to play with the friends, colleagues, family members, neighbours, and even casual acquaintances in our lives – provides a sense of purpose, comaraderie, belonging and identity,” states the report Trapped in a Bubble, funded by the Red Cross and Co-op. The report goes on to say: “Support or services that instil a sense of purpose, a tangible output, are ideal. For example, volunteering one’s time...” Volunteering within our local community can build connections vital to our well-being and give us a sense of fulfillment and purpose in our lives. Friends are made, and we feel of value to the community and to the people around us. We are genuinely needed, valued and appreciated, and in turn this supports us through feelings of self-worth and satisfaction, right through to joy and contentment. And of course, the whole community benefits from the input of active people. In this issue of the Glenkens Gazette, we will give an overview of some of the community organisations which enrich life here in the Glenkens – and who always need more hands on deck. To find out more see the spread on pages 14 & 15... The School in Need of Children Raising Hundreds for Children in Need Carsphairn Primary School held a coffee morning in aid of Children in Need, coming in as one of the top schools in the country in terms of money raised per pupil taking part. Carsphairn is the smallest primary school in the Glenkens but, when the school puts on an event, the local community rally round and support the school in tremendous fashion. At the Children in Need coffee morning, the classroom was bursting at the seams with folk enjoying tea or coffee with their home baking. The incredible figure of over £227 was raised, and the event had a fantastic atmosphere and was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. Carsphairn Primary pupils had baked cakes in school, and others were provided by parents, community members and teachers. Just a month later, the school put on their annual Christmas show, and held a quiz night. Again, there was a great turnout of the community to watch a truly unique performance. It is always a challenge to put on a performance when there are not many pupils, but a challenge such A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve as this is exactly where Carsphairn school excels. Between the class teacher, Mrs Welsh, and the pupils, they put together a performance which included both actors up on the stage and some pre-filmed sections carried out as part of their class work in school. So as well as learning about drama and live performance, they also had the opportunity to learn about screen performance. This term Carsphairn Primary will go to the Glasgow Science Centre to join several other small schools where they will participate in various workshops together. Irene McCreath,Chair, Carsphairn Parent Teacher Council www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 The News from Balmaclellan After a somewhat tumultuous year Balmaclellan Community Council is once again up and running. Following the election in July there were some returning members as well as some new faces. As always, our main focus is representing the needs of our community to the regional council. In the next few months the Balmaclellan Community Trust website should be going live and 460 the community council will have a page on there along with a number of other Balmaclellan groups. The plan is for all our minutes to be accessible on there as well as any information about upcoming events. We also have a Facebook page which is updated regularly (www.facebook.com/balmaclellancc). Working in tandem with the Balmaclellan Community Trust and concerned locals the derelict building in the village has now been made safe. There is also now a quarterly newsheet being distributed to every household in the parish. In November Paul Goodwin presented a fascinating talk on the history of the village war memorial which was well attended. In December our Christmas events were incredibly successful and received a huge amount of support from the Glenkens and local businesses. The Ken Bridge provided a delicious meal for our seniors and some wonderful raffle prizes were donated. The children’s party? We were overwhelmed with the generosity from local businesses and, again, locals who donated raffle prizes. The Glenkens Community Shop, CREFL, Tesco (Castle Douglas), Co-Op (Castle Douglas), New Galloway Community Council, Wilko and Morrisons (Dumfries) are amongst the many who supported us. Thank you also to the local primary schools who lent us the red suit. We had nearly 60 children attend (we were getting a bit nervous that Santa would run out of presents) and it was an extremely enjoyable afternoon for all involved. What next? Our current priority is maintaining the village hall and we will be running many more events there in the future including crafting mornings and more quiz nights to help fund this. In the long term we hope to eventually replace the hall with a more modern (easier to heat) building with a layout more suited to village needs. Ailsa Malone, Secretary, Balmaclellan Community Council Glenkens Gazette Remembering Alastair Livingstone We were all shocked by the sudden passing of Alastair Livingstone on 3 November 2018, aged just 60. A local historian and activist he brought an impressive range of talents to the study of his native Galloway with special interests in the history of Castle Douglas and the Glenkens. In what, sadly, was to prove one of our last discussions he lectured the Rev. David Bartholomew and me on the activities of local covenanters as part of the Galloway Glens project. He researched in depth the rise and fall of Gaelic in the kingdom of Galloway, publishing two important articles on the subject in Dumfries and Galloway Transactions, with a third to appear as part of the 10am-12.30pm For further information or to book a stall ring 01644 430 454 or visit www.dalrytownhall.co.uk Entrance by donation - proceeds towards Dalry Town Hall Refurbishment Fund North of Castle Douglas, A713 Ayr Road down dykes erected in the great cattle parks by eighteenth century lairds. By so doing they were putting some farmers and potentially many cottars out of work. The protesters were to prove Scotland’s only rural rebels, who were somewhat demystified by Alastair’s investigations which also uncovered new evidence that greatly enhanced our understanding of the movement. He was the ideal grad student who knew exactly what he wished to study and usually had an excellent knowledge of where his sources were to be found. I often confided to colleagues that his thesis wrote itself with a minimal input from the candidate’s supervisors, a view with which his external examiners concurred. It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with him. Galloway has lost a truly dedicated and insightful historian. Ted Cowan Group Oil Purchasing Flower We are up and Show running! At the Entries end of November New Galloway Oil Purchasing Scheme placed their first order with oil fuel distributors based at Thornhill, Allison and Hunter, achieving a fantastic 3p per litre (6%) discount on heating oil. 9th February 9th March proceedings of the conference last September on ‘Galloway, Gaelic’s Lost Province’. He was also fascinated, as we all should be, by the achievements of those Glenkensians who took themselves off to Manchester to become the cotton magnates of Britain. When cotton was king, the kings of cotton were from Glenkens! Alastair worked tirelessly on various local projects such as the Threave paths and numerous others, including support of the Galloway National Park Project. I had for years admired from afar the various causes in which he became involved and I welcomed the opportunity to work with him on his postgraduate research at the University of Glasgow’s Crichton Campus. His topic was The Galloway Levellers, the agriculturalists who knocked page 3 Community members who used the scheme said, “Wow, I saved £18 on my oil by purchasing it using the scheme”, “I can’t believe how simple the process was”, “Delivery was so prompt” and “I will definitely be using this service again.” Our next order was placed at the beginning of January and a discount of 2p per litre (4.6%) was achieved. We will continue to order at monthly intervals (first Monday of the month) during the winter/spring period, reducing to bi-monthly during the summer months. Anyone in the Glenkens area can join and make use of the scheme, although the oil-supplier reserves the right to place restrictions concerning distance and access issues. We are saving money and doing our bit for the environment by reducing the number of tankers coming into our community. If you are interested in signing up for group purchasing, require an information pack or wish to discuss further please contact Sam Rushton at samCEW@new gallowaycommunity.shop, phone 07741 656 601 or pop into New Galloway Community Shop. Our next orders will be: Monday 4 February and Monday 4 March. Sam Rushton, Community Engagement Worker (CEW) Below are the Handicraft Classes for 2019 Glenkens Flower Show (24 August), giving you plenty of time to get making... Hand Made Card; Teddy; Item Cross stitch; Toy - any craft; cushion - any craft; Child’s Hat & Mitts/Gloves - any craft; Article on Sewing Machine; Any Other Needle Craft; Article in Wood - not furniture; Original Painting or Drawing; Article Recycled Material; Any Other Craft Article. The class for 12 to 18 year-olds is for a Bug Hot made from Natural Materials. The category for this year’s Photographic Competition is ‘Castles’. For further info call Hilda on 01644 430 383. Glenkens Gazette page 4 Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk OFFERED Neoprene Muckboots, size 5, green, unisex style, fairly wide fit, very good condition, fully waterproof. Contact: Sue on 07563 718 011 Set of four wall lights with glass shades. Good condition. Contact: 01644 450 265 WANTED Any unwanted garden equipment for Garroch Walled Garden Community Project. Condition immaterial (we at present have a rusty rake, and not much else...!). Anything will be gratefully received. Contact: 420 664. Old skateboard, for moving Electric heading finally comes of age - for less cost than a HEATING SOLUTIONS standard wet system! Uniquely awarded the NF+++, Europe’s highest efficiency and manufacturing accreditation. AAA rated. • Ground-breaking technology - systems that know when you are in or out, and adjust energy use accordingly - they even check the weather! • TPI and V27 self-learning technology to detect, analyse and adapt to the user’s lifestyle. • Intelligent, interactive Wi-Fi. • Separate programme timing and temperature control for each individual room. If you would like further information, please call 0800 171 2942 or visit www.precisehs.co.uk Precise Heating Solutions Ltd registered in Scotland No. SC606152 hay/straw bales. Contact: 07563 718 011 House to let wanted, New Galloway area, local family, entry any time between now and autumn 2019, long-term let. Contact: Mary 07967 959 511 Fire bricks from old storage heaters. Contact: Simon on 07426 124 982 LOCAL INITIATIVES IN NEW GALLOWAY Can we own our Town Hall again? The Town Hall was originally owned by The Burgh Council until it was transferred in the 1970s first to The Stewartry and then to Dumfries & Galloway Council. We now have the opportunity to bring it back into local ownership. Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) has secured grants to appoint consultants to investigate the viability and feasibility of doing this. It is now nearly three years since LING took over the day to day management of the Town Hall. Over this time we have seen its use increase both with LING events and activities and hired out to other users. The main limit to further development and expansion is the lack of accessibility to the upstairs Main Hall. D&G Council are unwilling to fund the installation of a lift and grants are not available to LING as we do not own the building. The way forward therefore is to investigate the feasibility of Volunteers hard at work at the Walled Garden. taking over the ownership of the building Street, this will be really useful for the process of asset transfer from the those who find the climb from the Council to the Community. main car park difficult. A New Car Park Exploring New Galloway With funding assistance from A working party on Wednesday Stewartry Area Committee, LING mornings has been making great has purchased a small car park area progress in the Garroch Estate Walled opposite the side door of the Town Garden. Ros Hill Hall. With parking limited on the High THE GARDEN SPOT Now that the snowdrops are up, it is time to set about many of those jobs that we do in the dormant season. Cleaning pots and tools, ordering seeds, summer bulbs and seed potatoes and making a plan for the garden for the coming season. Bare rooted trees and bushes should be planted now (my new rose has just gone in). Fruit trees should be pruned now, cut out the damaged and crossing branches and when you prune, always leave a short stub – this is where the new fruit will form. The same applies to wisteria, prune last year’s growth back to 2/3 buds – if you cut out last year’s growth back to old wood, you are pruning out this year’s flowers! Don’t prune plums or cherries though, they should only be done in the summer. I have decided to be more adventurous in my planting this year. In the ornamental garden I have already planted a yellow flowered magnolia and will be trying again with sea holly and blue poppies. I have also taken delivery of some more exotic seeds but these will have to be started off in the propagator in the greenhouse. The real adventures this year will be in the veg plot where I will ONLY be growing veggies or varieties that you cannot get in Tesco. For tatties I will go for pink fir apple which is the finest salad potato (even if it is ugly). For root crops; salsify or scorzonera, and I might give oca another try. In the greenhouse, I will be trying new varieties of tomato and chilli. Last year I had great success with sweetcorn and sweet potato (see photo). The latter is a climber and needs greenhouse heat, but it’s well worth the effort. If, like me, you like to use any left-over seeds from last year, I recommend you throw any old carrot seeds away and buy new – they really don’t keep well. The Intrepid Gardener Sweet potatoes. Glenkens Gazette page 6 UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE The University of the Third Age is an international movement whose aims are the education and stimulation of mainly retired members of the community - those in their third ‘age’ of life. It is commonly referred to as U3A (from Wikipedia). U3A membership is not related to a specific age but to a period in one’s life (the third age) after Dalry ELC Polytunnel Dalry Early Learning & Childcare (ELC) would like to thank Marta McDonald for the kind donation of the polytunnel, and Mr and Mrs Elder for the woodchips. The tunnel will be a fantastic resource for the children, especially over the winter months. However, the polytunnel was sadly vandalised between 4pm Wednesday 16 and 8am Thursday 17 January. Two youths were spotted in or around the school that evening. If anyone has any information which would be helpful, please contact Dalry Primary School on 01644 430 105. Jenna Devlin, Dalry ELC Teacher New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME the second age of full-time employment and parental responsibility. Anybody in their third age can join U3A and this includes people who are working part-time. There is no lower age for membership. The Stewartry U3A has over 300 members, and has a monthly meeting in Castle Douglas Parish Church (at each meeting there is an interesting talk), organised trips and a whole host of interest groups who meet regularly, including Latin, lunch clubs, line dancing and local history – and that’s just the Ls! If you are no longer in full-time employment, and have an active mind, check out their website at www.stewartryu3a.org.uk (it’s a great website by the way). Paul Goodwin Glenkens Gazette page 7 EX-KELLS PRIMARY PUPILS... The current Kells school is 50 years old this year, and we’re planning some celebrations. From the Desk of the Galloway Glens Scheme This issue is from Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP) Education & Community Engagement Officer, Helen Keron: My first three months in this role has been full of meetings and planning as I try and understand how best to move my projects forward. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to meet me; things are really beginning to firm up now. The Business Academy is well underway, with our first free event ‘Maximising the Income from Your Accommodation Business’ happening at the Clachan Inn, Dalry, on 31 January. More events will be happening monthly, in partnership with Business Gateway – see the advert over-page for details of this and other upcoming events. I am also excited to be starting our Community Archaeology programme ‘Can You Dig It’ very soon. This will be happening at a few locations over the Galloway Glens area, and will consist of talks and walking surveys as well as a summer dig. All are welcome to these free events. Biosphere Explorers is a lovely project being run by the Crichton Carbon Centre to introduce primary school children to the very special place that they live in. Ken Words is a Glenkens Community & Arts Trust literature project based out of the CatStrand, hosting writers’ cafes and poetry walks – all levels of experience are welcome at these informal and inspiring events (see p24 of this issue). I have also been working with the schools in the area to see how we can best use some of the other Galloway Glens projects to tie in with the curriculum, and also offer new opportunities that don’t exist at present. One very exciting plan in development is to offer Modern Apprenticeships in Rural Skills in the area, which we will be seeking work placement providers for in due course. Also we hope to start ‘Galloway Glens Goes Wild’ in the summer, for P5/P6 pupils to re-discover what they can do for free in the outdoors. A focus throughout my planning has been on removing barriers to attendance. Most Galloway Glens events are free or heavily subsidised, and I will also be working with each project to produce accessibility postcards about events, provide information and make them as accessible as possible. All of the 35 Galloway Glens projects aim to either connect people with their local heritage or to support sustainable rural communities. I hope that over the next four years you will see a real difference to this area thanks to these projects. They have been enabled by the Heritage Lottery Fund and partnership funding, but also by the huge amount of volunteer effort put in by our community project partners. Thank you to all of you, these things wouldn’t happen without you! To find out more visit www.gallowayglens.org, sign up for our email newsletter, follow us on Facebook and Twitter @Gallowayglens, or get in touch with me on 07827 306 866 or Helen.keron@dumgal.gov.uk We’d love to have people’s memories, photos and stories of Kells school from pre-1969, when it was in the CatStrand building, as well as from the current school. To get in touch, please call Kells school on 01644 420 340. Mary Smith, Chair, Kells Parent Teacher Council GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL 01644 420234 Glenkens Gazette page 8 New Appointment at CatStrand As reported in the October issue, CatStrand’s creative director, Simon Davidson, had left to take on a new role as Centre Director at the soon-to-open Moat Brae Centre for Children’s Literature in Dumfries. The Glenkens Community & Aart Trust board took the opportunity of reviewing some of the existing job roles in the organisation and advertised for the role of Arts, Culture & Heritage Manager, effectively a replacement for the previous creative director role albeit with a slightly adjusted remit. The Board were delighted with the number and quality of applicants, but were unanimous in agreeing that Aidan Nicol had exactly the range of talents and experience required for the job. Aidan will already be familiar to many people as she has been very successfully leading and developing CatStrand’s Youth Arts Project for almost two years. Aidan grew up in Shetland but has lived and worked all over Scotland. This has included working for arts festivals and delivering arts projects ranging from coordinating the Hebrides International Film Festival to running film education charities in Edinburgh to working as a production coordinator on documentary TV series in Aberdeen. In 2017 she finally Aidan Nicol, CatStrand’s new Arts, Culture & found her way down to Heritage Manager. the warmer climes of forward to working with CatStrand’s Bonny Galloway and to dedicated and talented team. I am CatStrand. Aidan says: “I am passionate about very happy to have found such a creative, innovative and friendly continuing the celebration of the community here in the Glenkens. arts which CatStrand has achieved Thanks for making me so welcome.” over the last decade, and look ‘CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR 2018’ - three changing cask ales & cider - fresh, seasonal & local food - open all day every day - award-winning food, beer & atmosphere - en-suite accommodation - 20% off takeaway discount - country sport & walkers facilities - 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 9 CatStrand Highlights Spring has sprung, at least at CatStrand, and February ushers in a new programme of events and activities to ease us into 2019 and keep us going through these gradually lengthening days. We begin on Friday 1 February with an event for classical music lovers and those that enjoy a good story. Pianist Reiko Fujisawa returns to CatStrand for a spoken word and music recital celebrating the extraordinary life of Clara Schumann which will see Reiko perform Clara’s compositions alongside that of composers she was closely associated with including Brahms, Beethoven, Chopin and her husband Robert Schumann. Reiko is joined by Crawford Logan who will narrate the story of Clara’s life through readings that will tie together this evening of story and music which The Times described as “a total joy”. February also promises a moving contemporary dance piece from Dundee based company Shaper/ Caper. Within this Dust features cinematic elements as well as expressive theatre and dance in an exploration of the events of 9/11, taking inspiration from Richard Drew’s iconic photographs of a man falling from the world trade centre. The performance in the evening on Friday 8 February will be preceded by a performance from our choreo skills lab dancers, performing their own pieces and a piece devised during a workshop run by Shaper/Caper that day. Anyone who would like to participate in the dance/movement workshop delivered by the company with support from Sara Lockwood is welcome to join in, the session will run from 11-5pm at the town hall in New Galloway. The workshop is free and open to ages 12+. Please contact aidan@catstrand.com for more information on the workshop. Dark Sky Jazz promises to light up the dreary February nights, this month featuring Graham Costello’s STRATA who make their debut at CatStrand as part of their tour of new album ‘Obelisk’ on Saturday 16 February. New lunchtime theatre is on the menu with our Play & a Piece events. Join us for a sandwich and hot or cold drink whilst enjoying classic one act plays from Rapture Theatre from 1pm on Tue 12 Feb, Thurs 7 March and Tue 26th March. Open Stage returns on Wednesday 20 February with host Alan McClure for an entertaining evening of music, song, spoken word, stories, magic and more. Everyone is welcome to perform or just sit back and enjoy a night of entertainment. It’s a free event and there’s no need to book a slot to play, just come along and join in from 7.30pm. Is your New Years’ resolution to try something new? Ollie Rigg is bringing his trad tin whistle skills to CatStrand as we kick off Learn the Whistle groups starting on Thursday 28 February. The new weekly groups, supported by Connecting in Communities and CatStrandYouth, will run for 4-12s and over 12s & adults on Thursday afternoons for an 8 week block. Contact chris@catstrand.com to find out more. We’re delighted to have the Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s Big Ears Little Ears trio performance coming to CatStrand on Sunday 17 March. This interactive introduction to classical music is for ages 012 and accompanying adults to experience the magic of orchestras. Get up close with instruments and musicians in a relaxed child friendly environment. Under 18s go free and it’s only £5 for grown-ups - that’s got to be a lovely way to spend a morning with your wee ones. Our full spring brochures are available now from CatStrand, or take a look online at www.catstrand.com Within This Dust © Shaper/Caper Glenkens Gazette page 10 THE CATSTRAND YOUTH PLAYERS' SPRING SEASON Fresh from the success of their hugely successful pantomime in December, CatStrand Youth Players move on to Festival Season with three one-act plays currently being rehearsed to take part in the Stewartry round of the SCDA Drama Festival at the end of February. The festival, to be held in The Fullarton Theatre, Castle Douglas, from 20-23 February, is one of the biggest for many years having attracted thirteen entries. A four-night festival is very rare anywhere in Scotland nowadays, with many districts sadly struggling to even muster enough entries to have a competition at all. The Stewartry is definitely the hotbed of community drama in Scotland! The Youth Players have been proud to represent the Stewartry District in the West of Scotland Finals on five occasions in the past ten years and this year’s cast members will be trying to emulate last year’s success when Exit Stage Left, directed by Zoe Kirkpatrick, won the Stewartry round and progressed to the next round in Stewarton. The plays will be performed all together at CatStrand on Friday 15 March at 7.30pm and will each appear at The Fullarton during the Stewartry Festival on the dates noted beside the plays below. The Dust of the Street by Harry Glass A very popular festival play by renowned Scottish playwright Harry Glass. Set in the Jewish ghetto of Warsaw in July 1942 at the beginning of the Nazis’ Glenkens Gazette page 11 FINAL FLASH FICTION This will be the last of these competitions but I’d like to thank all of those who have taken part. It’s been a pleasure to read your work. If anyone has any suggestions for a future writing feature/ competition, please contact Sarah at glenkensgazette @hotmail.co.uk Ian Patrick The winner of the December/January Flash Fiction Competition is Paul Goodwin with Classroom Rebel (printed below). Competition judge Ian says: “A unique approach that fits well with the theme. Congratulations, Paul." About the author: After many years of writing about how things are… now, in retirement, I am greatly enjoying writing about how I imagine things to be. Sort of shaking off the shackles and rules; and just letting my imagination run free. Classroom Rebel Thank you for that introduction madam chairman… The cast take a bow at the end of their three night run of ‘Cinderella’ in December - one of the most successful panto seasons to date with every show selling out! Photo by Ian Biggar. infamous “Final Solution” pogrom, when day after day, thousands of men, women and children, innocent of any crime, were taken to their death. The play is a moving tribute to the persistence and bravery of the children, turned smugglers, who endangered themselves countless times in order to sustain their families and the community as a whole. (Second play on stage at The Fullarton on Thursday 21 February.) The Tick of the Clock by Ron Dune This will be the first UK production of this amusing play from American playwright Ron Dune. Being late is not just a habit for Don Hault, it’s a lifestyle. In fact, being late causes him to lose his job, his girlfriend, his best friend, and his self-respect. But then, while in the depths of despair, he meets a mysterious street vendor who offers him a very special watch. Don soon finds out that this watch does not tell time, it gives it. With the simple push of a button he is able to freeze time. His new found power seems to be the solution to all his problems, but of course, time has a way of catching up with us all. (Second play on stage on Friday 22 February.) Bar and Ger by Geraldine Aron Another well-known play telling the tender, simple story of the relationship between a sister and her younger brother. Described in realistic, down to earth language, episodic flashes of dialogue span a period of seventeen years and are linked by the sister’s narrative. Produced to acclaim throughout the world, Geraldine Aron’s unique style and remarkable feeling for words ensures the play is still as fresh and poignant today as it was when it was first written in 1980. (Second play on stage on Saturday 23 February.) Please come along and support the Youth Players if you can, Festival tickets are available direct from The Fullarton at www.thefullarton.co.uk and tickets for the CatStrand show can be purchased at www.catstrand.com Ladies and Gentlemen – as you know from the introduction, I previously taught maths in an inner-city school that had more than its share of challenges from the surrounding estate. My student - let’s call him Jack. He was a little less disruptive than some, sometimes he even handed in his homework although rarely of a good quality. Very soon I began to notice that he seemed to get the right answers to hard questions but get easier ones wrong. I kept my own counsel. On one occasion Jack and another lad had been particularly boisterous so I held them back as the class left. “Consider this your last warning, any more of that nonsense and it will be detention”. The other lad left but Jack held back. “Does that mean that I get to stay behind and do more maths Mr Platts?” “Exactly,” I replied. “Good,” he said as he left. I should point out here that Jack came from a well-known family. Well known to the police and social services that is. There was usually at least one of the family on remand, serving a sentence or wearing a tag. Anyway, the very next lesson, right at the end, just before the bell, Jack stood up and threw a paper aeroplane directly at me, bold as brass. “Jack, detention!” Was my immediate reaction. He just smiled. Jack turned up promptly for his detention and worked hard on the exercises I set him. As he left at the end, he thanked me. And as I do with all detention work, I dropped it straight into the bin while he watched – I think the pointlessness of it gets across sometimes. He seemed disappointed but left in silence. On a hunch, I removed his work from the bin and started to look through it. I was astounded! It was almost the best work I have seen from someone of his age, not without its faults but well above the standard I had come to expect. About a week later, Jack was again misbehaving in class, just enough to earn a detention, this time one of several students. At the end of the detention period I asked him to stay behind and he watched as I removed his newly completed work from the bin. Excellent work last week Jack, well done. Jack soon got a reputation for being the class rebel, earning more detentions than anyone else. His maths improved as I was able to coach him when noone else was around. You see he needed to survive amongst his peers. Jack is now at university – the ‘white sheep’ of the family. The Gazette would like to give a huge thank you to Ian for running the Flash Fiction competition, and generously donating each issue’s winning prize of a £10 Amazon book voucher. We’ve had some great entries, and hope people will continue sending in their stories. Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry Licensed convenience store and newsagent stocking a range of local suppliers including Irvings Bakers, Ballards and Dalmellington Country Butchers and Mitchells Fruit and Veg. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY � 01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS � Glenkens Gazette page 12 WHAT DID JAMES CLERK MAXWELL DO? I’ve passed through Parton many times over the last 20 years, often wondering what this James Clark Maxwell actually did to warrant a sign with his name on it. I had heard rumours of course, “Einstein’s Einstein” being the most intriguing, though I never really followed this up (given the enormity of what was implied I now can’t imagine why). That was until recently when research commenced as part of our current Energise art project exploring the past, present and future of the Galloway hydros and their interactions with the local community, energy and climate change. And what I discovered has been truly amazing... In 1861 Maxwell published a paper On Physical Lines of Force, which in language I can understand seems to be the discovery that electricity, magnetism and light are manifestations of the same phenomena, thinking that paved the way for much modern scientific thought and the advancement of many things we simply take for granted today. He would stand easily in a room with Franklin, Faraday or Nikola Tesla. Imagine for just a moment a world without TV or radio, electric lighting, computers, DVDs, iPhones, vacuum cleaners, air conditioning, fridge freezers, electric drills or Xboxes...the list goes on. Many of the magnificent advances in science, medicine and technology of the 20th century and the building blocks of industry were based on his discoveries. His work led to an Electricity Act in the 1920s with the intent to form a nationalised electricity grid network linking all (almost) homes and industries across the UK to a stable electricity supply - one of the cornerstones of modern society. This in turn led to the construction of the Galloway Hydro Electric Scheme in the 1930s that now forms part of the unique heritage of the Galloway Glens and which provides power equivalent to some 59,000 homes a year James Clerk Maxwell © George J Stodart. from its six dams. The hydros are now an accepted (certainly not the case at their hydrological cycle, global energy, construction) and integral part lifestyle and climate change. Our of the community, with people final creative bodies of work are interacting with them in many beginning to take form, though we different ways. And yet many continue to be influenced by our simply take them for granted, as ongoing community engagements I did James Clark Maxwell, one and thinking. It will be very of history’s truly great scientific exciting to see final works evolving thinkers, who I consider to be in the coming months. one of the founding fathers to the In the next edition of the Gazette we will bring you more on the project as it nears its completion, including information on local events in the Galloway Glens to share our experiences with the community, together with details of our exhibition at Gracefield Arts Centre in second industrial revolution. But the fascinating story of James Dumfries in May. In the meantime, if you have any photos, anecdotes, Clark Maxwell forms just one small stories or comments please get in element of the wider project, set touch. up by Uplands Arts Development, But for now, driving through which involves two artist residencies interpreting the themes Parton will never be quite the same again... in different ways. Explorations Ted Leeming, including community and personal Leeming + Paterson Photography identity with the scheme, the ...the discovery that electricity, magnetism and light are manifestations of the same phenomena, thinking that paved the way for much modern scientific thought and the advancement of many things we simply take for granted today. Glenkens Gazette page 13 Artists Uncover Tales of the Dam Builders Artists investigating the story of the Galloway Glens’ dams, reservoirs and power stations are uncovering fascinating glimpses of a colourful cultural past. Ted Leeming and Morag Paterson have been talking to people of all ages across the area about their thoughts, memories and attitudes towards the huge hydro projects of the 1930s. Morag said: “The response has been tremendous and we’d love to hear more. We’ve lived in this area for more than 20 years ourselves, but the stories people tell us are helping us see the entire landscape through new eyes. “For many there is a pride in being home to a huge source of renewable energy and a real sense of the importance of green power for the future. “Some older residents have told us about the impact that the arrival of up to 2,000 construction workers had on this remote rural area – especially when they needed to let off steam. “We’ve heard how the camps had their own football teams and competed in the local league – with Glenlee winning the cup in 1932. “And then there are stories about how the men hired a local bus to take them round the pubs and offload them back at the camps ‘pickled with drink’ at the end of the night. “But there were other sides to life in the construction camps. We heard how the local minister Thomas P Hitman regularly did a round trip of 160 miles on his pushbike to attend to the spiritual needs of the men and organise recreational activities. It seems the Church eventually bought him a motorbike.” The project, called Energise, Earlstoun dam, part of the Galloway hydro electric scheme. focuses on the history and legacy of the Galloway hydro electric scheme, exploring perceptions and responses to climate change with specific regard to renewable energy. The artists have engaged with young people through schools and with the general public through open sessions, and by inviting people to write using special postcards that have been distributed round public buildings. Once their research is complete Leeming and Paterson, who are internationally renowned photographers, and Dundeebased artist Jason Nelson, along with fellow artist Cat Major, will create artworks inspired by what they have learned. Energise has been set up by Dumfries & Galloway’s Upland Arts Development organisation. Amy Marletta, projects director at Upland Arts Development, said: “Just about everyone in the Galloway Glens has been affected by the hydro schemes. They help power people’s homes, give us areas to go walking or cycling, and clearly made a big difference to local society when they were being built. “We are really pleased that people from the area are really getting involved and making their contribution to Energise.” The project is supported by Creative Scotland and the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership. McNabb Laurie, Galloway Glens team leader, said: “The Galloway hydro scheme, constructed in the 1930s, continues to be a distinctive influence on the valley. “At the time of commissioning it employed 90 staff. Automation and technological advances have reduced that to around 25 but, with an average electricity output each year of about 90% of Dumfries & Galloway’s annual requirement, the technology is still performing well today and the scheme is a notable player in the national energy mix. “Initial results from this project have been very interesting and I urge anyone interested to visit the project’s Facebook page for progress.” If you would like to contact Leeming and Paterson with your thoughts, views and memories about the dams then email info@leemingpaterson.com or call 07917 102 693, or to find out more visit www.weareupland.com COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS IN THE GLENKENS... Glenkens Gazette page 14 Glenkens Gazette page 15 VOLUNTEER A LITTLE TIME - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY, SUPPORT YOURSELF On this page we have an overview of the community organisations in the Glenkens who provide all kinds of services and activities to our communities. These groups are always looking for more hands on deck as, without volunteers, they couldn’t provide the services they do. So please get in touch, there’s plenty of choice - they would love to hear from you! Glenkens Community Shop The Glenkens Community Shop in Dalry is now approaching its seventh year and what a year it is going to be, with our new renovation and refit, thanks to the Pamela Young Trust. Since opening in 2012 we have given back over £50,000 to Glenkens community projects and individuals. Here in the shop we are always looking for volunteers to help us continue in this work. It’s also a great way to make new friends and become part of a thriving community. If you can spare 2.5 hours or more a week, we would love to hear from you. Call in or ring 07955 743 022 CatStrand Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) CatStrand relies on volunteers to help run and manage all our events and services. LING took over the management of New Galloway Town Hall from D&G Council nearly three years ago. Extra volunteers would be much welcomed to help at our regular Tuesday LING Lunches, Tuesday evening Sports or upcoming Sunday Family Afternoons of Jigsaws, Board games and Pool. ‘Exploring New Galloway’ is a Galloway Glens project where LING volunteers are improving and maintaining the Golf Club footpaths, and footpaths and tracks within the Garroch Estate. The Walled Garden at The Garroch is also being improved, with overgrowth being trimmed back and some new climbing roses already planted. Volunteer working parties for paths and the garden take place on a regular basis and all are welcome. With more activity comes more admin and the need to keep people aware of what’s going on, as well as the ongoing background committee work. So do come and join us in whatever way you would like! Contact: ros.hill@rathanhouse.co.uk Volunteers installing a community noticeboard outside Wright’s Shop, Dalry. Dalry Community Properties Trust (DCPT) DCPT is a charitable organisation (SCIO) established in 2015 to own and care for community buildings and land in the Dalry area. We rely on a board of voluntary trustees to carry out our important community work which includes ownership of the Glenkens Community Centre, plus interests in two plots of village land. Additional trustees and volunteers are now being sought to enable us to carry forward an exciting range of projects in 2019, including a community garden, local recycling facilities, a visitor bothy or camping area and a Small Business Zone. Experience of gardening, DIY, fundraising and organising events is particularly welcome, however, willingness to get involved and help out is just as important. Please contact Andi Holmes for a chat about becoming a member of DCPT and helping to shape the future of our local community. Contact: andiholmes@hotmail.com phone: 07729292126 Dalry Town Hall Dalry Town Hall is a fine old building that is one of the main social centres for the village and for the wider Glenkens community. Volunteers and regulars at Glenkens Community Shop. As the management committee, our job is to keep the building in good repair through hiring out the hall to others but also through organising and managing social events. As a small but active team we presently run the Glenkens Farmers’ Market on a monthly basis, fortnightly film shows, ceilidhs, craft fairs, quizzes, song & tune sharing sessions and whatever else we can think of that will appeal to the community. We are currently developing a project under the banner of the Galloway Glens that we hope will make the hall into a local heritage hub to celebrate our common history. We are looking for others to join our team to help maintain and develop this interesting building in the centre of Dalry. To find out more ring Jim Reid on 01644 430231 So, if you could you spare a little time to help out then please come and join us. We are looking for enthusiastic people of all ages to join our fantastic team of volunteers. There are loads of ways to get involved, it’s great fun and training is available. You could help with stewarding at events, working in the café, bar, reception or shop, minibus driving, or if you’re under 25 come and see what the youth volunteers are up to (it involves a lot of pizza!)... Contact chris@catstrand.com or call CatStrand on 01644 420 374 or pop in and see us. Balmaclellan Community Trust During the next year Balmaclellan Community Trust’s main priority, along with Balmaclellan Village Hall Trust and the Community Council, is to continue to maintain the village hall. We are hoping this year to facilitate the painting of the village hall and also to organise new events such as craft mornings and coffee mornings, while continuing to support existing events such as our popular quiz nights and craft fairs. We are always looking for people who would be willing to help at any of our events or as a member of the Trust. Do get in touch if you can spare some time to help out in Balmaclellan. To get in touch contact Julia Higgins (chair) at julia.higgins55@outlook.com Schools The Glenkens partnership of schools includes Carsphairn, Dalry and Kells (New Galloway) Primary Schools, as well as the Dalry Early Learning and Childcare (Dalry ELC) which serves Glenkens children from 3-5 years old. In addition, we have the Bright Stars Glenkens Community Nursery in Dalry, which offer places to children from 2-5 years old, and Dalry High School, now in partnership with Castle Douglas High School. Volunteers from the community are welcomed in all these settings, to come in and work with children or support the staff. PVG checks may be required, depending on the role, but the school can help with this. Pop into the school office or contact Bright Stars on glenkensco mmunitynursery@gmail.com Children and parents enjoying the Bright Stars holiday activities. New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE) New Galloway’s Community Engagement Worker, Sam Rushton, is working on a variety of projects and activities that are of community benefit. Projects to date include an oil-fuel buying cooperative (see p5), a pot luck supper, citizen advice bureau surgeries, an alzheimer’s information session, and football sessions in the park. Sam needs help with things such as co-ordinating orders and deliveries for the oil buying project, administrative tasks such as photocopying and scanning, designing posters to advertise and promote community engagement projects, delivering posters around the community, and advertising events and activities, among many other things. If you have any other skills or ideas that you feel that you could offer, please do get in touch. The shop also offers volunteering opportunities to people looking to start or re-start working in a retail job. Get in touch with Sam on 07741656601, samCEW@newgallowaycommunity.shop or pop into New Galloway Community Shop. This article has been sponsored by the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. One of the key aims of the Galloway Glens Scheme is to support sustainable communities, and volunteers are a key part of a thriving community. Contact Helen Keron, the Galloway Glens Education & Community Engagement Officer, on helen.keron@dumgal.gov.uk for more details. Please get in touch if we have missed your community organisation and we’d be happy to include it in a future issue of the Gazette. Glenkens Gazette page 16 GIVING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE A VOICE It’s an exciting time to be involved in schools in the Glenkens – there are challenges as always but also, very importantly, lots of positive dialogue, creative ideas and action for working together to move forward with energy and enthusiasm. That’s what makes our schools a positive place for our children, a positive part of the community and attracts families to the area. With this in mind, the schools will be working with the Gazette on a new section, starting next issue, entitled ‘Pupil Voice’. Glenkens pupils have lots to say and we are keen that they have a strong voice within their schools and in the wider community, so we are supporting pupils to take the lead in contributing not only school news but also their views and opinions on school life and beyond. It can also be a space for parents, staff and other community members who are involved to contribute constructive news and experiences. Watch this space - and please do get involved! Mary Smith, Kells Parent Council chair Ian Johnston, Dalry Parent Council chair Irene McCeath, Carsphairn Parent Council chair Schools Competition Carsphairn Primary News S3 pupils from Dalry Secondary School enjoyed a taste of college life when they participated in the Schools Competition. In their teams, they went to different workshops at D&G College. Everyone learned new skills and enjoyed working in a team. Some comments from the students were: "I learned a lot and it was cool to be in a real studio," "We should do it again next year!" "It was really fun and you made friends," "I enjoyed the experience because we got to learn a new trade and meet new people." Dalry pupils having fun. Special congratulations go to our prize winners Hana Ade-Macrae & Sarah McCreath who received 1st Prize in Digital Photography; Andrew Ramsay & Andrew Burrows who received 2nd in the Wallpapering Challenge; Grace Jeffery Temple & Euan Hockey who received 3rd Prize in Visual Communications. Kells Christmas Concert This year for the Kells Christmas Concert we had loads of different songs that we learned. We sang The Snowman, The Penguin Song, Rocking around the Christmas tree and everyone loved The Hippopotamus for Christmas. It went very well. In the Snowman there was an actual snowman on stage and the Megan did a brilliant job making the face. The Penguin song had loads of penguins. Jake and Sanna were both really brave being chiefs of the penguins. In the Christmas tree song everyone had loads of fun! When we played the saxophones AKA: carrots and parsnips, everyone gave it their all. Finally the Hippopotamus song that everyone enjoyed some people were dancing and there was a hippopotamus going up and down the hall. I felt happy and proud, especially when I played the clarinet, Fiona played the violin and Rosie the piano. The songs were the best bit and everyone sang to the best of their ability. At the end the audience got mince pies, drinks and biscuits. I’m sure that the parents all enjoyed the show. I think that it was the best Christmas show we have ever done. I hope we have the same fun next year. Sophie Roberts, Kells Primary Kells Primary pupils performing at their Christmas concert. It was a busy term two for us here at Carsphairn. We made our Calendar which celebrates memories of our 295 year old school (available to pick up for free in the village hall). We also put on a play called A Christmas Saga - it was a challenge with our small numbers but with the use of technology we put on a great performance! The performance was followed by festive beverages and snacks, before we started our amazing Christmas Quiz. Well done to all the teams that took part but it was Hillbillies that came out on top. Thank you for everyone's continued support. Naomi & Crawford, P7, Carsphairn Primary Attendees enjoying Carsphairn Primary’s Christmas events. Glenkens Gazette page 17 Kells Primary’s New Adventures The Primary 4-7 class at Kells have been doing regular Forest Friday sessions. These are amazing opportunities giving us the skills to become confident individuals; learning happily together, taking risks, making decisions, solving problems and living! A few activities we have explored are: cutting wood, building bridges (not walls!), lighting fires, cooking out and building together - we even went on an expedition to find the North Pole (well done Rosa)! Last week we decided as a class that we should stay at base and explore the gazebo (see last issue), also there was a weather warning and we have to respect that. We drew concentric circles on the floor and we applied geometry to measure shapes! We formed a mandala (a Buddhist design based on circles and the universe). When the entire floor was completed it looked like a pebble had just been dropped into a pool of sparkling water! Next we wrote important ideas, connecting our words. Sticking with earth themed thoughts and things that we had learned about life in school… like: when all the space was filled with ideas, the words written in chalk, so that one day they would all disappear… we stood around this piece of artwork, we were all so connected it felt Ideas and connecting words written in chalk in the concentric circles as if we were all of the mandala in the Kells Primary gazebo. holding hands. We took turns to walk who is always there by our side when into the centre of our mandala and we need him, Ms Harper who is an have a chance to read something out amazing person to have around and loud, something we felt deeply. Some is wonderful at looking after us if we of the adults and children were in need anything. tears, this was such a beautiful thing But… finally a huge thank you to - it was like we were a big family Mister Thompson for the last two – connected! years as our teacher, we feel as if We know that things begin and we have finally climbed to the top of things come to an end. What we the biggest mountain out there with believe is that they last. As a you… however, you have also taught connected team we have understood us that we can still climb higher, so much together. We are so grateful to always look up, to strive and to for this process and we couldn’t have believe. Thank you for helping us achieved this without Mary who led realise that life is so meaningful and the mandala activity and is always more fun than we expected; it is a (up to her neck!) in the river with us fantastic view from here! and happy to help in any way, Sam Fiona Edgar, P7, Kells Primary Dalry Primary Christmas Show When it came to the time when we had to start thinking about our Christmas show, the P6/7 decided to write it by ourselves. We decided to base it on the film The Greatest Showman, but with a difference - The Greatest Snowman - and we also changed up the characters a bit. Everybody was snow people, and we had The Greatest Snowman and the singing lady, a snow-wife, three snow children and people like that. Everybody went to the North Pole in the play so it was all polar bears and snow people. On the journey to the North Pole they met a polar bear that is vegetarian, a rapping sloth, Santa, a snowman with a yellow birth mark, a reindeer with a blue nose, a very tall elf called Torrance (which means tall) and a singing lady. Two people also made up the dances for some of the Dalry Primary performing The Greatest Snowman. songs and we changed most of the song words as well. We made all of the props and painted them and stuff like that. It went really well because everybody learned their lines in such a short amount of time, and they remembered them all really well. Everybody had so much fun when we practised it, and when we showed everybody that came to watch it. We did our Christmas show two times, on a Monday night and a Tuesday afternoon. On the Monday we did one of the songs again because everybody loved it so much. Lola & Joe, P6, Dalry Primary Glenkens Gazette page 18 BUSINESS IN THE SPOTLIGHT This section Rachel Hattersley: showcases a different local business each Dru Yoga Teacher issue, giving readers a taste of the diverse and flourishing entrepreneurial world of the Glenkens. If you would like to feature your business, please email an article of up to 500 words with a photograph to glenkensgazette@ hotmail.co.uk Hello, I’m Rachael and I just moved to Galloway in August. I am loving it here. All the wide open spaces, the water, the landscape and the sheer vastness of nature! We moved here quite by chance, upon finding a property at the top of Woodhall Loch whilst looking for something with all of the above, but a little nearer to our previous home in Yorkshire. And so far it doesn’t disappoint. We were looking for somewhere with space and community and I am very much enjoying becoming part of the community up here too. I am already teaching yoga at Balmaghie/Laurieston Village Hall, and we have a little group that’s slowly growing. It’s perfect for complete beginners, and we are learning about our bodies and how to move in slow, gentle, compassionate ways to create more peace and stillness in our minds, better movement and freedom in our bodies, and a smile in our hearts. I have also been offering my first treatments from the spare room at home overlooking the loch, which makes the most wonderful picturesque treatment room and is a total joy. Yoga is a practice of union or balance. Of bringing mind, body and spirit together so we can be at one with ourselves and the world. It can literally help with anything. Anything physical, Rachael with her class at Laurieston Village from stiffness, pain and injuries Hall. to diabetes, high and low total re-education for me over the blood pressure, migraines and last 12 years, learning to listen and headaches; right through to mental respond to my body and mind and to and emotional challenges. And is give them what they need. And I am particularly great at giving us the all the happier for it. space to breathe and to be, when life I love the work I do, and I love is getting on top of us. seeing people become happier and The style of yoga I teach is called healthier and more at one with Dru Yoga which means ‘still point’. It is themselves, and know that it ripples yoga combined with Tai Chi to create out far and wide in to all areas of their beautiful, flowing movements that lives. From work to relationships to allow our bodies to soften, relax and how confident they are in themselves, flow and really focuses on the energy and that is a beautiful thing in the of the practice and on feeling on top world. of the world. The beauty of this is The work I do has helped me to find that it makes it accessible to anyone my natural flow, just in the same way and everyone - all ages, shapes, sizes nature has hers, and it’s nice to bring and conditions are welcome. It is these things together here in Galloway. very modifiable, and there is always Classes are on Thursdays from something we can do and join in 12.30–2pm at Laurieston Village with. My classes are about creating a Hall, and treatments are available welcoming environment, a place we to support physical, mental can learn about ourselves and our bodies and about coming together as a and emotional health (visit my website www.aspiretobe.net community. to find out more) at my home The type of treatments I offer are in Mossdale - please get in also about working with energy and touch on 01644 450 269 or bodies and minds. Bodies often know rachael@aspiretobe.net what they need and minds are often Rachael Hattersley desperate to switch off! It’s been a HOUSE REPAIRS JOINERY Semi-retired Furniture Maker & Builder in GLENKENS AREA ...special rates for inclusion of tea, cake and friendly banter... Call Pete on 07970 462 088 Glenkens Gazette page 19 What’s Happening With Watson Birds Many readers may have thought the Watson Bird Project had died a death, but no - it is still alive and kicking, and we are hoping for faster progress this year. In autumn 2017 we held two one-day workshops on raptor research. For the first time, we held an event outside the Glenkens, at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh. Led by internationally renowned raptor scientist Ian Newton, eight speakers brought the 70-strong audience up-to-date on the latest raptor science research. The following day we repeated much of the programme, but also added speakers who discussed local bird watching opportunities. Again, an audience of 70 were present. At both events pictures and books by Donald Watson were available to purchase, which, combined with participants fees, support from two sponsors and an entrance charge meant that we more than covered our costs. We did not run the Watson Raptor Science Prize in 2018 as two of our three judges have asked to stand down, and it has not been possible to recruit replacements as yet. Preparations are underway for the Watson Birds component of the Dalry Heritage part of the Galloway Glens scheme. Waymarking for two trails, preparation of a commentary on an app, recording of oral history of the Watsons and development of an orientation hub at the Town Hall are the key elements which are the Watson Birds contribution. In Dalry, it is particularly pleasing to see the work at Barone by new owners, the Wests, in preparation for the Watson Bird Garden. They are very committed to public access to the garden, which stretches alongside their house from the street to the northern boundary wall. Graham has been working to the plan drawn up by Chris Rollie, Andrew Bielinski and myself. Car parking will be provided, and we have just signed an agreement between Watson Birds (through the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust [GCAT], our parent organisation) and the Wests to complete the garden arrangements, which in turn will mean that it can be grant-aided. Additionally, the Wests intend to establish a café in Barone. This is a facility that many in the village have been wanting for a long time. It will be an opportunity to promote the project and the related activities, and to display some of our Watson paintings. We have agreement from the Pamela Young Trustees to use the memorial garden for project work and will be in discussion with the school about various partnership working possibilities next year. Bird boxes will be placed around the village to cater for the many different species - we are likely to contract the Men’s Shed folk in Balmaclellan (if they are up for it) to undertake this work to designs provided by Andrew Bielinski. With the agreement of the Dalry Town Hall Committee, we have installed a superb painting of raptors by Donald Watson in the Town Hall, along with a description of Donald. Finally, the conversion of the Smithy in Balmaclellan as a GCAT project gives us an opportunity to have some of Donald’s archive on display, and hopefully, this will come to fruition later this year. Spreading the project around the Glenkens is most appropriate as Donald painted throughout the area. Thank you for your continuing interest and support - we look forward to keeping you updated as works progress. Roger Crofts Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Robin Hood with this beautiful shot of a rainbow over Loch Ken. Robin wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s Sunday carvery. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “Such a stunning picture, and it really lifts the spirits, perfect for this time of year.” How to Enter: any photos taken in the Glenkens can be entered - landscapes, wildlife, portraits, action shots... Email them to glenkensgazette@hot mail.co.uk If you are a winner the Gazette will send you out a voucher - please call the Ken Bridge to book your meal, and make sure to take your winner’s voucher along with you. Glenkens Gazette page 20 TREASURES AND NAMES IN HISTORY The Glenkens Story history group starts the year with a couple of lectures, returning to the amazing story of the ‘Galloway hoard’ and discovering what place names can tell us about our history. In September 2014 Derek McLennan and a group of fellow metal detectorists searching in a Galloway field discovered the richest collection of rare and unique Viking-age objects ever found in Britain and Ireland. The Rev Dr David Bartholomew, who was one of the detectorists present at the discovery, will reveal new details about the collection when he speaks at the CatStrand on Sunday 24 February. His talk, The Galloway Hoard – The Story of its Discovery and its Astonishing Treasures, will discuss the different theories on how it came to be buried there and explore some of the unanswered One of the stunning treasures from the questions that it Galloway Hoard. raises. Names and the People of Gilbert Márkus Galloway. Exploring the placeis currently working as a placenames in this area, he will shed names researcher with the light on two thousand years Galloway Glens Landscape of history, describing the way Partnership. A Medieval historian people named their landscape and affiliate researcher at the and how names helped to create University of Glasgow, he has the world we now live in. published and lectured widely on Both lectures begin at 2.30pm place-names as a window onto and tickets, priced £5, are the past. On Saturday 30 March available from CatStrand, New he will speak at the CatStrand Galloway on 01644 420374 or on Hearing their Voices: Placewww.catstrand.com ULTRASOUND PREGNANCY SCANNING ����������������� �������������������������������� ��������������������������������� ��������������������� ����������������������������� For bookings and info: Duncan Kennedy 07860 474001 dk@passcan.co.uk www.passcan.co.uk Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN GLENKENS THE MOVIE? The latest Scottishthemed movie to pop out of my TV is one entitled Outlaw King (2018) starring Chris Pine of Star Trek fame in the title role featuring one of Scotland’s genuine heroes, namely Robert Bruce. Thankfully Chris’s Scottish accent is actually quite guid, better than Mel’s in Braveheart. Overall the film is well cast with the usual parade of hairy, bearded Scottish thespians grunting and slashing their way to glory. The story takes place in the period 1306 to 1310, from the murder of John Comyn at Dumfries through to Bruce’s victory at Loudon Hill, a battle which the movie greatly hypes as a kind of forerunner of Bannockburn four years later. In fact, the cinematic events focus on what might be termed Bruce’s Galloway years which, as attentive readers will doubtless recall, was discussed in this column some years ago. That short article discussed the battle of Glentrool in 1307 suggesting that legends about the victory gave rise to the tradition of another battle successfully fought by the king at Moss Raploch, at one time known as the battle of Craigencallie, beside what is now Clatteringshaws reservoir. Later tales related that the three sons of the widow of Craigencallie were rewarded by Bruce with a grant of the estate of Cumloden. The sons supposedly recommended that Bruce should order his men to round up wild and tame horses, as well as goats, to provide the appearance and sound of a large army. The English, unnerved by the allnight din, broke when attacked at daybreak. According to 17th century testimony, “there is a very big stone in the centre of the flow, which is called the King’s Stone to this day, to which he leaned his back, till his men gathered up the spoil”, an account that reeks of invention. Heroes do not rest while their men do the tidying up! More convincing is the information, if true, that many weapons had recently been found in the moss by peat-cutters but no trace of Meccas. It is not all bad news, however. The recent BBC series on The Galloway Forest produced some excellent television, as well as promotion for Galloway. Paul Murton recently introduced his viewers to Galloway lochs and most of his career has been about Scotland and her history. But one disappointment is Outlander. Professionally, I have sometimes felt deeved to death first by the books and now by the TV series. A frequent question is, “how authentic is the series?” Answer, “just as authentic as you would think concerning the story of a women who travels some hundreds of years back in time from 1945 to Jacobite Scotland when she touches a prehistoric standing stone!”. There are legions of Outlander tours all over the Heilands but few of them, though I hope I am wrong about this, ever comes to the Glenkens where the star of the show, Sam Heughan, was born in Balmaclellan. The Old Man of Storr in Skye has now featured in so many films – MacBeth, Game of Thrones, etc that he had to turn visitors away, telling them the island was shut. The message seems clear - tourists may or may not visit places seen in movies, but they are much more likely to follow-up on named sites. If film makers can go to Skye they can certainly make it to Galloway, where places must be named from here on in and local enterprise should pick up the sword for Bruce and the Glenkens alike. Ted Cowan When Walter Scott was at the height of his fame as a novelist, folk wrote to him suggesting that his next book be based on their area once they realised that he had single-handedly turned Loch Lomond and the Trossachs into tourist Meccas. them (the weapons) is known to have survived. What is disappointing is that the movie makers came nowhere near Galloway in the making of the film. Glasgow University cloisters stands in for Greyfriars, Dumfries. There are many glorious shots of the Highlands. Something could surely have been made of Kenmure Castle or Threave. The scenery around Glentrool and the mountainscapes behind Clatteringshaws are as pristine as they are stunning. Movies play a huge part in the promotion of tourism these days. When Walter Scott was at the height of his fame as a novelist, folk wrote to him suggesting that his next book be based on their area once they realised that he had singlehandedly turned Loch Lomond and the Trossachs into tourist Glenkens Gazette page 22 Language Conference Planned on Galloway Scots The first ever conference on Galloway Gaelic, staged at the CatStrand last September, was a sellout event, attracting widespread interest and much praise for its comprehensive range and the quality of its presentations. Fired by the experience, the organisers, Ted Cowan, Michael Ansell and Mike Brown, are planning another day-long event focussing this time on the distinctive Scots tongue - the leid or language of the southwest. Gallovidian Scots is still spoken, but for the last few hundred years, like other variants of Scots, its relationship with English has been fluid. For many speakers it survives as an enrichment of their English vocabulary or as a second language they use in parallel with English, preference being given to one or the other depending on circumstance and context. All over the world languages and dialects are under threat and fears have been frequently expressed that the native "Speak" of Galloway is dying out. This conference will assess its historic, current and future status. The conference, planned for the CatStrand on Saturday 7 September, will explore the origins of Galloway’s distinctive branch of Scots, the way it has both co-existed with and borrowed from other languages, and has, for several centuries, competed with English, and indeed influenced the English spoken in these parts. Surveys, some conducted recently, have mapped the use of Gallovidian Scots and the conference will draw on this work to assess the current health and future prospects of the language. Programme details and booking arrangements for The Speak of Galloway event will appear in the next edition of the Gazette. provided to the Community Councils. However, the immediate priority is to get a decision from Temporis Capital (TC) on who they wish to use to distribute the community benefit payments from Blackcraig. Representatives of GDT, individual Community Councils and local organisations met representatives of TC in a series of meetings at CatStrand over 17 and 18 January. These were helpful and constructive meetings, with TC restating their commitment to the payments and also their wish for the decisions on how the money should be spent to be made locally by people who know the area. They also support the awards being based on merit and want the money to be spent for the benefit of our communities. GDT set out their position, what they have achieved to date and what they have planned to ensure that they would be in a position to distribute the money effectively later in the year. While GDT accepted that they have no track record yet they explained that, as this was the first wind farm to make community benefit payments in this specific area, this was not a surprising position and they had the capability, experience and mind set to make it happen. In view of the very tight timescales GDT, if appointed, would also expect to work with TC and other third party providers to get all the necessary arrangements put in place. TC wants the fund to be open for applications in May. The Fund Catchment Area (the area that awards would be made to) is a topic that is being carefully considered by TC. The seven individual community councils and GDT set out what areas they thought should be covered. GDT reiterated how the seven community councils are working well together and to have any excluded from the Fund Catchment Area would be divisive in our communities. A decision from TC is expected in February. Fiona Smith, Chair, GDT UPDATE FROM THE GLENKENS AND DISTRICT TRUST The Glenkens and District Trust (GDT) have held two board meetings. Fiona Smith, the new chairman, has also attended the majority of the Community Councils making up the membership and plans are in place for her to attend the rest. Representatives of all seven Community Council members of the Trust attended the board meetings. The meetings were very positive, covering a wide range of topics with contributions from everyone present. The cohesiveness of the group was apparent, with a shared view about what GDT should do and a strong wish to work together for the benefit of our communities as a whole. Key areas of agreement related to the purpose of the Trust, the need to open up our membership to individuals and the need to develop good and transparent processes and criteria for awards. Detailed feedback is being Glenkens Gazette CHILDHOOD MEMORIES: JENE CHAMBERS I have wonderful memories of growing up on a fruit and vegetable farm in Kent, with my sister who was older than me, and brother six years younger. My father did not own the farm, he managed it for the elderly farmer. We were there when war was declared in 1938. Our cottage was the far end one of three. All three had connecting cellars, useful during air raids. Entrance was made by ladder, made by my father from the room above. A trap door was also at ground level in all three cellars leading outside. We were on high ground and could see across to the River Thames to London. We were able to see the German bombers, following the Thames to London, and the guns firing at them. As time went by the few Spitfires we had, that early, flying down at them. When the German planes were damaged, they would turn to their nearest way back to France which was Kent, and drop their bombs. We were in direct line of them. It was a large farm, and had craters in fields around us. Our cottage being on the far end, had bombs so close nearest at the top of the garden. I remember we children were in the cellars mostly on our own. The adults had to keep the produce going on the farm. The raids were coming morning, mid day and evening regularly. We had to organise getting to school. There were four of us girls around twelve years old. All gathered together. My brother also now ready for school, there were no other boys. It was a two mile plus walk along country road. We had four houses only on the way to school. We tried to make it to one of them otherwise we scrambled under the hedge with the noise of dog fights in the sky overhead. I remember, clearly, and can still visualise her, Mrs Puxley, a homely middle aged lady. Her house was halfway down a hill, long garden path to her front door with steps. We would try every time to get to her, as she would somehow feed us lemonade and biscuits. One Saturday afternoon, no one was at work. Dad saw what he thought was an incendiary bomb coming down. They always come by parachute. He came back with a German airman. He was badly injured in a thigh. Mum took him in the kitchen and did what she could for him. Richard Hearne, the actor who knew dad, came and took the airman to hospital. He was the only person with transport. We children were looking out of the trap doors from the cellar. The airman was very young and fair haired. He looked straight at us. My father was told page 23 Jene Chambers some time afterwards that he did not survive. At school we sat in the half finished concrete shelter, those of us who could not get home for lunch. We had a Scottish teacher who sat with us. One end was open to the sky. The raids were usually on during our lunch break. Some of the German planes made a screaming noise as they dived. On one lunch time the local swimming pool was bombed. No one was hurt. Many thanks to Jon Nimmo and Teri O’Loughlin for submitting this story from Jene of her childhood memories. If you would like to submit something to the Gazette, please do get in touch either by email at teriandjon@tiscali.co.uk or call 01644 420 247. What is This Mystery Object...? Do you know what this metal implement, or part of an implement, may have been used for? It was found by metal detector, about a foot underground, in a farmer’s field in the upper Glenkens. It measures around 14 inches, and is made of a cast bronze. Perhaps readers might be able to shed some light on the object’s useage as, so far, it’s a mystery... Glenkens Gazette page 24 KEN WORDS WRITING PROJECT Ken Words is a newly-funded Galloway Glens community writing project which hopes to nurture response in words to place and landscape. You’ll find details of its on-the-ground activities in the CatStrand spring brochure, and keep an eye out for pieces of new writing in future issues of the Gazette... If you’re interested in finding out more, please feel welcome to get in touch with me, Jane McBeth, at jane.kenwords@gmail.com or leave a message at the CatStrand (01644 420374) and I’ll get back to you. whisht! the river would speak with our silence An Interview with Actor Scott Kyle Local author Ian Patrick interviews Scottish actor Scott Kyle, who featured in shows such as Outlander and The Greater Game. What project(s) are you working on now? This month I wrapped on season two of the hit television show Trust Me, in the show I play (Bobby) who is the best friend and best man of Richard Rankin’s character (Alex). It was great to film some scenes with Richard who I went to school with, did pantomime with and worked on Outlander with. I’ve also just completed a critically acclaimed sold out run of The Greater Game where I starred alongside Harry Potter actor James Phelps in the west end of London. The show is scheduled to tour the UK in 2019. Keep an eye on @GreaterGameplay on Twitter for more updates. I have been booked to do some more filming in 2019, but at this point I can’t share the details, and I have two other projects that I’m really enjoying being part of. Keep an eye on my website for full details - www.scottkyle.co.uk What part of Scotland are you from? I’m from Glasgow and it’s a city I love to call home, every time I’m away from home I always tell the people I meet how great Glasgow is. What’s your fondest memory of living in Scotland? There are so many magical moments from over the years, but probably my fondest memory would be meeting my now wife for the first time in our local swing park. As soon as I met Karen I knew she was my soul mate and the girl I wanted to be with for the rest of my life. As a writer I spend the majority of my time at home. I wondered how much time you spend away from home and how you cope with this? It really depends on the project, through my acting work I have been fortunate enough to travel to some amazing places (America, Canada, Germany, France, Jordan, Italy, Finland and England). The toughest one was probably recently when I was away for six weeks in London, because I felt near, but it wasn’t close enough to go home on my one day off. What book are you reading now? Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck. This was a gift from actress Victoria Gibson who I worked with on The Greater Game. What music are you enjoying? I enjoy a whole range of different music so it’s difficult to list just one, but if I had to I would say Bruce Springsteen. Which scriptwriter do you enjoy working with and why? I enjoyed working with an author called Des Dillon the most as we developed a play together called The Blue Hen. It was the first time I had been involved so heavily with a writer developing a script. If I’m having a bad day I can sack writing and start again the next day. How do you manage this, as an actor, when you just don’t feel like turning up but have to? It’s easy if you just put yourself in the shoes of the audience who are running in or attending a performance to try and forget their troubles for a couple of hours. I also turn myself over to a higher power and ask it to make me an instrument of... As an actor do you prefer stage Scott Kyle. or film? Stage in my 20s film and television in my 30s so not sure what my 40s has in store. Who inspired you to act and whom do you enjoy working alongside? The person who inspired and invited me to act was my wife Karen, who suggested I go to college and give it a go. Along the way I have learned from everyone I have worked with and enjoyed in some way the process of collaborating with them. The experiences that stand out to me though would be working with director Ken Loach on The Angels’ Share. The other one would be working with director Philip John and actor Stephen Walters on Outlander, as they were incredible professionals whom I learned so much from. Where do you see yourself in five years time? In the garden with Karen and hopefully a couple of kids, being visited regularly by Jess the neighbour’s cat - I wouldn’t care what job I’m doing if I can achieve this goal. Glenkens Gazette page 25 Glenkens Gazette page 26 FEBRUARY & MARCH JANUARY Fri 31, Business Academy: Maximising the Income of your Accomodation Business, 5.30pm, Clachan Inn, Dalry, see p6 FEBRUARY Fri 1, Reiko Fujisawa, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 8, Within This Dust, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 8, Within This Dust Dance/ Movement Workshop, 11am-5pm, New Galloway Town Hall (book via CatStrand) Fri 8, Dalry Police Station Drop-in, 12.30pm with PC Dingwall Sat 9, Glenn Wool, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 9, Glenkens Farmers Market, 10am-12.30pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p2 Tue 12, Play & a Piece, 1pm, CatStrand Thu 14, Stewartry Birdwatchers Talk, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway Sat 16, Dark Sky Jazz Club: Strata, 7.30pm, CatStrand Wed 20, Open Stage, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sun 24, Glenkens Story: The Galloway Hoard, 2.30pm, CatStrand Tue 26, Exhibition on Screen:Young Picasso, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 28, LING AGM, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall MARCH Fri 1, Dalry Police Station Drop-in, 1011.30am with PC Dingwall Sun 3, McGoldrick, McCusker & Doyle, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 7, Play & a Piece, 1pm, CatStrand Sat 9, Glenkens Farmers Market, 10am-12.30pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p2 Wed 13, Blue Rose Code, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 14, Stewartry Birdwatchers Talk, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway Sat 16, Fancy Dress Disco, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sun 17, Big Ears Little Ears, ages 0-12, CatStrand Wed 20, FILM: The Rider, 7.30pm, GLENKENS ROUTE Thursdays: 12noon-1pm – Crossmichael 1-2pm – Parton/Loch Ken Holiday Park 2-4pm – Balmaclellan area 4-5.30pm – The Hidden Road Fridays: 8-10.30am – Dalry 10.30-11am – Glenlee Area 11am – New Galloway 12noon – New Galloway Shop 2pm – Mossdale area 3-4pm – Laurieston to Gatehouse Please note that all times are approximate. 07966 103 912 charliecoid@hotmail.com Fleet Fish aims to provide top quality produce which is sourced as locally as possible. We take pride in offering friendly door-to-door service tailored to our customers’ needs. CatStrand Tue 26, Play & a Piece: Rapture Theatre, 1pm, CatStrand Wed 27, Dalry Film Club: Mamma Mia 2 - Sing Along, 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Fri 29, Ross Ainslie & Ali Hutton: Symbiosis, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 28, Stewartry Birdwatchers Talk, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway Sat 30, Glenkens Story: Place-Names and the People of Galloway, 2.30pm, CatStrand Glenkens Gazette page 27 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Film Makers’ Club, Mon 7-8.30pm Exercise to Music: Mon 9.30-10.30am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time) 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris Dance 2: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time) 4.30-5.15pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, 1st Tues of the month, 6-8pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab, Mon (termtime) 7-8.30pm, ages 12-18 Animation Club, Tues 4-6pm (starts 12 Feb then fortnightly) Gentle Tai Chi: Wed 10am Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed 2-3.30pm Game Tech, last Wed each month, 68pm Writers’ Cafe, 2nd Thurs each month 7-9pm Sing it Out, Thurs 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes, 1st & 3rd Thurs each month, 1–3.30pm Yoga, Tues 6.30-7.30pm & Thurs 9.1510.45am Learn the Whistle, (starts 28 Feb; 8week block. Ages 4-12 - 3.45-4.30pm; Age 12+ & Adults - 5-6.30pm). Contact chris@catstrand.com to find out more Zumba Gold, Fri (term-time) 9.3010.30am, CatStrand, 16+ Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry: Paint & Art, Mon 2-4pm GCC Playgroup, Tues, Wed & Thurs 9.15-11.45am Guides, Tues 6-8pm Yoga, Wed 7.30-8.45pm, for info call Carylann on 07817 400 287 Brownies, Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts, Thurs 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group, Thurs 2-4pm Glenkens Children’s Club, Fri 10am12noon New Galloway Town Hall: LING Elevenses & Lunches, Tues 11am-2pm Fat Broadband Access, Tues 11am2pm Table Tennis & Carpet Bowls, Tues 7-9pm Circuits, Tues 5.30-6.30pm Zumba, Wed 7.30-8.30pm, 11+ Circuits, Sat 8-9am Family Games: Jigsaws, Games & Pool, Sun 2.30–4.30pm Various Locations: Hatha Yoga, Mon 10-11.15am, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Carsphairn Post Office, Tues 1-3pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Dalry WI, 3rd Tues each month 2pm, Dalry Town Hall (except Jun, Jul & Aug) Beavers, Tues 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training, Tues & Thurs 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Mossdale Painters, Wed 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Youth Writing, 1st Thurs each month (during term time) 3.30-5pm, ages 1015, Dalry Library Kettlebells, Balmaclellan Village Hall, Thurs 6-7pm Carsphairn SWI, 3rd Thurs of the month, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, for further info call Christine on 01644 460 577 Coffee & Craft, Fri 9am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Bridge Hotel Scouts, Thu 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dru Yoga, Thu 12.30–2pm, Laurieston Village Hall Gentle Tai Chi, Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall Golf Junior Coaching, Sat 10-11: 30am, New Galloway Golf Course, see p8 Restoring Footpaths, Sat 10am1pm, phone 420 632 to confirm Junior Golf & Come-and-Try for all ages, New Galloway Golf Course, Sat 10am Men’s Shed, Old Smiddy, Balmaclellan. Opening times: Mon 9.30am-4pm & 6.30-8.30pm; Wed 9.30am-1pm & woodcarving from 24pm; Fri 9.30am-12noon. Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk Dalry Library Tuesdays 10.30am-2pm Fridays 11am-4.30pm For further informa�on contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) Glenkens Community Councils SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. Call 07727 127 997 Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. CHURCH TIMES 7pm. World Day of Prayer Service, Carsphairn Church, Fri 1 Mar, 2.30pm. Services: Balmaclellan 9.45am: 1st. Carsphairn 11.15am: 1st,2nd,3rd,4th. Dalry 9.45am: 2nd, 4th. Kells 9.45am: 3rd. Kells 10.30am: 5th (Mar) Special Services/Events: Holy Communion, Kells Church, 17 Feb, 9.45 am. Beetle Drive, Dalry Town Hall, Fri 22 Feb, St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sunday SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Kirkcudbright: Sun Mass, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sat Mass, 5pm VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 28 WHAT’S SO GOOD ABOUT CARSPHAIRN PRIMARY? A personal view... When I heard recently that Carsphairn Primary School is once again at risk of closure, I felt my heart sink. This has been the case in the past, when numbers were low. But the community would rally round to ensure this key element wasn’t lost. So I wonder - is today's Carsphairn community strong enough...? I’m hopeful that it is, because saving the school is really key to safeguarding the community as a whole. Carsphairn village is situated on the picturesque north-western edge of our beautiful region, and has been providing primary education to Glenkens children for almost 295 years. One might think such an expansive legacy, coupled with the reputation of providing high quality education, would be enough to encourage a steady flow of new parents and children to the community. But, as with so many areas of rural Scotland, the proportion of families with school-age children is dwindling. Yet all over the UK the dream of so many people is still that, when they have children, they would like to live in the countryside, perhaps in or near to a small but well-appointed village with beautiful landscapes and nature on their doorstep, yet with easy road access to nearby towns and facilities... Carsphairn ticks all these boxes. It’s less than an hour from Ayr by A-road, and only an hour and a half from Glasgow, so commuting distance if you work in the city. But the full potential of this village can only ever be realised if younger generations once again make their lives here, ensuring a vibrant, thriving community. In considering a school for their chidren, reservations are often held by parents in regard to low pupil numbers in small schools. There is, however, no evidence that larger schools are any better educationally - in fact, smaller schools often come out on top both academically and in the wellbeing stakes. Ofsted (the national office for standards in education) themselves have reported the following: "The quality of teaching is generally better in small schools rather than larger schools", that small schools have a "positive ethos", "provide an important place in the community", and that they consistently return "good standards of behaviour in children". Not so long ago, tutors were recognised as the best means of educating children whose parents could afford it. Today, the bespoke teaching experience offered at a school such as Carsphairn is quite unique, and not unlike this privileged Carsphairn Primary School © www.carsphairn.org communities these days. Relying on a school to provide all of a young person’s needs is a rather unrealistic and also dangerous strategy in which any school is likely to fall short. You would be hard pushed to find an ex-pupil of Carsphairn Primary who did not benefit greatly from their time at the school. Call me biased, as an ex pupil myself, but the education and experiences offered are, in my opinion, worth fighting for and protecting for future generations - I, for one, would like to send my own children there. The school is not only an educative hub, but is vital to this rural community in so many ways - without it the village risks dropping into an indefinite hibernation, with no pull for new families to make their home in the parish. The low numbers of families and children in the upper Glenkens is only the current scenario, which we know from experience will change with time - in our rural areas there are always ups and downs in the number of children. But facilities like the school are vital to a community and, once lost, are gone forever. They also can’t just sit awaiting possible future interest, as it’s just not realistic to have an empty school - the community needs to pull together now and recognise the value of the school as a part of the whole, and its necessity to a healthy and vibrant community. So I suppose the million dollar question is...how do you draw the younger generation back to Carsphairn...? A former Carsphairn Primary pupil The school is not only an educative hub, but is vital to this rural community... teaching scenario. Large schools are forced, through necessity, to deal with ‘crowd control’ as a main imperative in the classroom, with very little time for each individual pupil and their particular needs. In a small school, the teacher has time to give each child the individual attention they deserve, allowing them to flourish academically as well as receive the support necessary to grown into confident, capable members of society. The idea that children will lack appropriate socialisation is another oft-held misconception. Having just a few children in the school, along with teachers and staff, gives plenty of opportunity to build confidence and social awareness. In the Glenkens we are very lucky as the primary schools work together as a ‘cluster’. This means lots of opportunities for students to mix with pupils from the other schools. And of course school isn’t the only element to a child’s life - there are lots extra-curricular activities available for children within easy driving distance of our Glenkens WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk APR/MAY COPY DEADLINE: 5 MAR Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.co.uk The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 110 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_110 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2019 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/255/GlenkensGazette109.pdf 5287ced03f437099c28b58f41c92e52d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 109 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE News from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry December 2018/January 2019 ISSUE 109 FREE Best Café Award is Served Up to Carsphairn Tearooms From shortlisted finalist in 2016 to winner this year... Carsphairn shop and tearoom has come out on top in the Best Café category of the 2018 Dumfries & Galloway Life Awards – a fantastic achievement just three years after having to close temporarily when floods devastated their premises. “We’re absolutely over the moon to receive this award which is fantastic recognition for all the hard work that has gone into rebuilding the business after we were forced to close for refurbishment and remodelling work,” beamed proprietor Lindsay Duncan. “We’ve had fantastic support from locals and visitors alike and when the news came out about our win, my phone never stopped buzzing with messages of congratulation.” Lindsay and her partner Paul Smith have transformed the shop and tearoom into a community hub that had been lacking in Carsphairn after the village pub closed many years ago. Especially successful have been the monthly themed bistro Paul, Courtney and Lindsay are thrilled to receive evenings in which recognition from Dumfries & Galloway Life. their 11-year-old daughter Courtney us since we came to the village plays a big part, waiting on tables. over four years ago,” said Lindsay The Carsphairn business beat whose enterprise last year also three other finalists to the title. won the Community Tearoom of “It was an extremely tough the Year award from the Scottish competition and we are so grateful Food Awards and Academy. to everyone who has supported Glenkens Pot Luck Supper Success Mary Smith reports on the first Ladies’ Pot Luck Supper at New Galloway Town Hall. Arriving on your own is sometimes a bit nerve-wracking, but it felt relaxed and welcoming as soon as I went in. There was an amazing spread of food and the conversation buzzed with good humour. I met people I knew well, many I knew a little or recognised, and some completely new faces. I know that a lot of work went into planning, spreading the word, setting up and clearing up, not to mention everyone who had prepared food and come along on the night. It was great to see a lot of familiar faces from New Galloway and the Glenkens but also people from further away, which shows that through events such as this we are attracting and welcoming people to the area as well as just entertaining ourselves! get your name put on the mailing list Community engagement worker for upcoming events and activities: Sam Rushton, who organised the samCEW@newgalloway event, said: “I was really pleased community.shop with the success of the Ladies’ Pot Luck Supper. 48 people attended, and the feedback was excellent. Thanks to everyone who gave their time to help out and to come along. During the evening we gathered ideas for more events and activities which I will be working with people to take forward”. You can keep in touch through Facebook @CommunityEngagem Ladies of the Glenkens and further afield enjoying entActivitiesNew the Pot Luck Supper organised by New Galloway’s GallowayandKells, or A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve community development worker Sam Rushton. www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 DUNCAN SHORTLISTED FOR AWARD Duncan McNaught, from Dalry, has been shortlisted in the British Photography Awards in the Macro category. The entry which made the shortlist is titled Inkcaps. Duncan says: “Inkcaps must be my favourite fungi to photograph. They don’t last long, so its always a treat to find some nice specimens before they wither and die. This particular group were in a rather dark part of the forest at Glenlee, so I decided to use my hand-help LED torch with some coloured plastic on the lens to create some nice light. I also placed a piece of reflective card behind the fungi to brighten up the shot. “This image is the result of several shots stacked together in Adobe Photoshop to create more depth of field. I also used my remote cable release between each shot to prevent any movement.” Duncan seems to be consistently topping the bill with his amazing macro shots of nature’s wonders. He says: “My first recognition was in 2017, when I was commended in the Sony World Photography competition with my image Above: Inkcaps by Duncan McNaught, the photograph which made the shortlist in this year’s British Photography Awards. Below: Duncan McNaught. titled Tiny Jewels. Then, also in 2017, I came first in The Royal Society of Biology competition with my photograph titled Welcome to my Humble Abode. At the beginning of 2018 I came second in the Botanical section of The Scottish Nature Photography Awards with my image titled Nature’s Umbrella. Then this November I won the Dumfries & Galloway Life award for Visual Artist/Maker 2018.” We’ll look forward to hearing about Duncan’s next achievement as it seems certain there will be more to come... Ian’s Great Scottish Run On a bright dry Sunday morning at the end of September I completed the 13.1 mile Great Scottish Run through Glasgow in 1hr 37mins in 1100th position out of 15000, with help from some local support. I have spent the last month collecting an overwhelming amount of money that has been donated from over 200 individual sponsors, locally and online, to achieve a grand total of £4,097 for the Beatson Cancer Charity. A big thank you to everyone who donated their hardearned cash, and especially to New Galloway Post Office, New Galloway Community Shop, Wright’s shop in Dalry, Balmaclellan Village Stores, CatStrand and Carsphairn Tearooms, who kindly held sponsor forms and collected money for me, and to New Galloway fire station who held their own collection. Myself and my girls would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their offers of support, wishes, blessings and prayers over the past eight months, with a special thank you to those who have brought us meals and cakes - it has been greatly appreciated. As for Fiona, she has had three rounds of the most intensive chemotherapy available, total body radiation therapy and a bone marrow transplant, returning home to the Glenkens at the end of August. She has to visit DGRI weekly to be monitored, with a long road ahead - only time will tell if the treatment has been effective. Ian Oliver Glenkens Gazette Why Should I Vote? A new Councillor for the Dee and Glenkens ward of Dumfries and Galloway Council will be decided at the by-election on 13 December and by the time this Glenkens Gazette is published we will all have received our voting cards. Local elections tend to have a low voter turnout. This is surprising because the dictionary definition of voting is the expression of opinion or preference and surely everyone here in the Glenkens has an opinion on local government? The areas that Dumfries & Galloway Council govern include Housing, Planning and Building, Schools, Waste and Recycling, Administration of Benefits, Community Safety, Business Support and Advice, Trading Standards, Leisure including Sports and Visitor Attractions, Libraries, Local Care Services, Support for Children and Families, Public Transport, Road Works, Street Lighting – all of these are vital for us and our community. Please, Glenkens voters, exercise your right to vote! How can we expect our children to take page 3 Our ancestors fought for the right to vote. Universal suffrage in the UK, allowing all adults over 21 to vote, did not happen until 1928, only 90 years ago. There has been much written about women achieving the vote but it should also be noted that prior to the 1918 Act, when women over 30 gained the vote, men could only vote if they owned property. Our system of voting is that those elected are accountable to the people they govern, be that local or national. Five candidates have been nominated for this byelection and the local press has carried information about each one. [Two of the candidates have chosen to include information in this issue of the Gazette, which can be found on p11]. This can also be found online and many of them have published leaflets. Please study what the candidates say and vote for who you think will do the best job for your community. Nicolette Wise ...the dictionary definition of voting is the expression of opinion or preference and surely everyone here in the Glenkens has an opinion on local government? responsibility for their actions if we do not take responsibility for the way in which we are governed? Jayne would like to thank everyone for making the salon such a great success! Our Macmillan Cafe was again a great success - we raised £736. Thank you to eveyone who came along and supported the event. - we now stock Wild Olive soaps, shower smoothies & bath melts - 8th December 12th January 10am-12.30pm For further information or to book a stall ring 01644 430 454 or visit www.dalrytownhall.co.uk Entrance by donation - proceeds towards Dalry Town Hall Refurbishment Fund North of Castle Douglas, A713 Ayr Road Jayne, Emma and Blair wish all their customers a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year! 01644 430 525 07876 397 725 Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk OFFERED Neoprene Muckboots, size 5, green, unisex style, fairly wide fit, very good condition, fully waterproof. Contact: Sue on 07563 718 011 Set of four wall lights with glass shades. Good condition. Contact: 01644 450 265 WANTED Old skateboard, for moving hay/ straw bales. Contact: 07563 718 011 Thank you to everyone who has been saving used postage stamps which I pass on to the Bransby Horses charity, which raises funds from the sale of them. With Christmas coming, I hope you'll all be kind enough to continue dropping them in my letterbox at 3 Midtown, Dalry – or ring me and I'll collect them: 07563 718 011. Thanks again, Sue. House to let wanted, New Galloway area, local family, entry any time between now and autumn 2019, long-term let. Contact: Mary 07967 959 511 Fire bricks from old storage heaters. Contact: Simon on 07426 124 982 GLENKENS BIRD WATCHERS The Glenkens is a wonderful place to get to know about birds, with diverse habitats ranging from forests to wetlands. Stewartry Birdwatchers is a branch of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club (SOC). Both members and nonmembers are very welcome to attend talks held on a monthly basis from September to March in Kells School, New Galloway. A wide variety of bird-related topics are covered by interesting and informative speakers. On 13 December Ian Bainbridge will give a talk Shorebirds of the Solway answering, among other things, the intriguing question “which wader nests in two different countries in the same year?” 2019 kicks off on 17 January with a photographic feast with Mick Durham, a semi-professional wildlife photographer specialising in Scottish subjects. His talk, The Wildlife of Shetland, is about the rich and varied flora and fauna found on these islands in the summer months. On 14 February well-known wildlife artist Keith Brockie will give a talk entitled The Teuchat Glen: Wildlife on a Highland Perthshire Estate. This should be of particular interest as it is about a conservationminded grouse shooting estate featuring deer, mountain and brown hares, raptors, red and black grouse and many other bird species, with the main star of the talk being the lapwing and the problems it faces. Kat Keogan will give a talk on 14 March about seabird breeding habits. These birds are globally threatened, with one of the key reasons for this being our changing climate. The season ends on 28 March with David Lingard’s talk Birdwatching in Italy and the Work of LIPU. David will explain the work of Italy’s equivalent of our RSPB. Weather permitting, Stewartry Birdwatchers arrange birdwatching excursions and are especially keen to help beginners with bird identification. So, young or old, if you would like to find out a little more about the birds who share our habitat, why not come along, or get in touch to find out more (call secretary Joan Howie on 420 280). Joan Howie, Secretary, Stewartry Birdwatchers Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by REDUCE POLLUTION AND INCREASE YOUR STOVE’S FUEL ECONOMY TOO David Tallontire, a chimney sweep based in Dalbeattie who covers the Glenkens, is backing a national campaign to help reduce pollution and keep flues safe. He has signed up to the BurnRight campaign, which was formulated by chimney sweeps and professionals in the solid fuel industry in an effort to educate people on how to use their woodburners and multi-fuel stoves correctly. If not properly operated, appliances can not only pollute the atmosphere, but also pose a risk to life and property. David said: “The BurnRight campaign has come at a critical time, as the government is looking closely at emissions from domestic fires. “The root of the problem is that wood is often not burned at a high enough temperature. If it’s not hot enough, unburned fuel vapours travel up and out of the chimney causing unnecessary pollution. “There is a real lack of awareness with some of these issues and most people who use a stove don’t even know there is a problem, let alone think that they might be a part of it. “The design of the stove and the moisture content of the wood are two factors that affect the burning temperature but the most important thing is the way the user controls the air supply to the stove. Basically, if the air supply is closed off too much, the wood can’t burn hot enough. Closing the air off too much does not save fuel, it wastes fuel!” BurnRight seeks to help people who use stoves to get it right and make a difference to the air quality where they live. Not only is this good news for the environment, but users will save money, their chimney will be cleaner - and therefore safer - and the chimney and the stove will last longer too. The campaign is being spearheaded by professional chimney sweeps across the country. David said: “We have a unique perspective of the stove, the fuel, the chimney and the customer’s burning habits and can advise accordingly.” For a full guide you can visit the BurnRight website, which includes video demonstrations which explain best burning practice www.burnright.co.uk To find out more you can also get in touch with David Tallontire on 01556 612944 or 07709144299. THE GARDEN SPOT Last month I planted my garlic bulbs for next year, but soon realised that I had forgotten to add garden lime. So, I had to go back and rectify my mistake. Sometimes it seems that gardening is all about making mistakes and learning from them. Last February, I found a pack of daffodil bulbs and one of tulips that I had forgotten to plant. The daffys were reasonably firm so I found a spot in the border that was vacant and planted them (more in hope than in expectation). The tulips looked OK too so I planted them up in a pot and left them outside. You know, they all came up and flowered! A little late, and a little on the short side, but a ‘wee bonus’ – pun intended... Now, do you know about the New Zealand Flatworm? There was an article in the Gazette last year about these horrors. Here is a photo of one from my own garden. Flatworms = no earthworms (at least, not many). So, top-dressing the soil with manure or compost is a waste of time as there are no worms to pull it down, it all has to be dug in. We don’t want these things spreading, so if you have them in Chimney sweep David Tallontire. your garden (you will know by the lack of earthworms), then don’t pass on plants to other people unless they too are already New Zealand flatworm. infested. If you don’t have them in your garden (lucky you), be very careful where you get your plants and only take them from a trusted source. Now to get the catalogues out to order seeds for next season! The Intrepid Gardener Glenkens Gazette page 6 Glenkens Transport Initiative www.glenkenstransport.org email gti@catstrand.com phone 01644 420374 mobile 07841 512449 DECEMBER 2018 - JANUARY 2019 EXCURSIONS REGULAR SERVICES Wednesday Evenings Glenkens - Castle Douglas (Tesco) Out 1900 1905 1915 1925 1930 1937 1940 (Registered Route) Dalry (Underhill) New Galloway (CatStrand) Mossdale Lauriston Townhead of Greenlaw Castle Douglas (Market St) Castle Douglas (Tesco) Return 2115 2110 2100 2050 2047 2037 2035 Booking not required Thursdays Glenkens - Castle Douglas Day Centre Passengers not attending the day centre may also use this service. Outbound pickups: Dalry (Underhill) 1015; New Galloway (CatStrand) 1030 Pickups can also be arranged from Balmaclellan, Parton and Crossmichael bus stops or from passengers’ homes. Return service leaves Castle Douglas Community Centre 1430. Return Fare £3.00 Booking required. Fridays Glenkens to Newton Stewart Outward Pickups: Dalry (Underhill) 0930; New Galloway (Town Hall) 0940, (CatStrand) 0942 Return Pickup Newton Stewart (Aldi Car Park) 1130 Return Fare £3.00 Booking required. Due to changes to the time of public swimming this service will not call at the MONTHLY Merrick Centre for the foreseeable future. Glenkens - Ayr - Saturdays Usually the last Saturday of each month see www.glenkenstransport.org for dates Pickups New Galloway (CatStrand) 0930, Dalry (Underhill) 0940, Carsphairn (1000) Leaves Ayr 1500 Fare (each way) £3.50/ Concessions £3.00 2018 December 1, Saturday Gretna Gateway & Carlisle - Christmas Shopping Pickups: Dalry (Underhill) 0930; New Galloway (CatStrand) 0940; Crossmichael (Shop) 0950, Castle Douglas (British Legion, Market Hill) 1000. Fare £7. Concessions £6. December 15, Saturday Hetland Garden Centre and Moffat Christmas Lights and Shopping Pickups: Dalry (Underhill) 0930; New Galloway (CatStrand) 0940; Crossmichael (Shop) 0950, Castle Douglas (British Legion, Market Hill) 1000. Fare £7. Concessions £6. 2019 January 12, Saturday Gretna Gateway Sales Pickups: Dalry (Underhill) 0930; New Galloway (CatStrand) 0940; Crossmichael (Shop) 0950, Castle Douglas (British Legion, Market Hill) 1000. Fare £7. Concessions £6. Seats must be booked in advance online at www.catstrand.com or by phone 01644 420374 PATIENT TRANSPORT GTI has just started operating a car-based patient transport scheme to get people to and from hospital if they don’t have their own transport or are unable to drive. Initially, the service will be in response to referrals from the Scottish Ambulance Service but the aim is to extend it to anyone with a genuine need and to include journeys to out-of-region hospitals. …I’d like to gather as much information as possible about the extent of the need for this service in the Glenkens so if you have observations or suggestions or if you are in need of patient transport please email them to gti@catstrand.com or phone Glen on 07841 512449. Booking required. MINIBUS HIRE 8, 15 and 16 seat minibuses for hire information and bookings www.glenkenstransport.org/hire email gti@catstrand.com or call 01644 420374 DRIVERS WANTED GTI requires volunteer and paid drivers. MiDAS training provided. Interested? – Please phone or email. Glenkens Gazette page 7 From the Desk of the Galloway Glens Scheme This regular column will give a snapshot, aside from the headline project stories, of what we are learning about our heritage and the day-today life of working on a scheme like this. This issue is from Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP) project officer, Nick Chisholm: In early 2018 I was looking for a new challenge, having spent the last three and a half years in environmental consultancy, when I saw the advert for the Galloway Glens Scheme Project Officer. I was lucky enough to be offered the post and joined the team in May. The first challenge has been trying to get to know both the range of projects and the range of people involved in them. It has been really heartening to see the enthusiasm that was built up over the development stage, with everyone raring to go. We really hit the ground running with two organisations in particular, the Glenkens Red Squirrel group and the Kirkcudbright Development Trust. Both of these groups were clearly champing at the bit and as soon as the green light for project start was given, they were up and running. Both projects show the importance of having enthusiastic volunteers that are passionate about what they do. A key aim of the GGLP Scheme is to try and get as many organisations to work together as possible to maximise the outcomes for the area. These two initial projects could not have epitomised this any better, with strong links being created that will help to improve red squirrel conservation in the south of the region and also offer great opportunities to educate the public on what more can be done. Due to the work of the Kirkcudbright Development Trust, the Barhill Woods project is pretty much completed. The new hide is up and running and it is heartening to see the increase in usage, particularly parents with very young children who can now walk with pushchairs from the town and into the woods. The hide has been a great success, with pictures taken from it appearing across social media. There has recently been a visit from a semi-professional German wildlife photographer because of this coverage. If you have a spare hour or so and would like to see red squirrels and other local wildlife at close range, a trip to the hide at DG7 1TB is well recommended. Now a number of months have passed and more projects have started across several themes, with many more due to start shortly. A number of staff- members have also been appointed by our partners. Within the theme of Understanding the Galloway Glens, Gilbert Márkus is now in post as the researcher for the Place Names project; within the theme Visiting the Galloway Glens, Laura Davidson has started with the Biosphere Experience project; and finally in the Natural Landscapes theme, Ed Tooth has recently been employed as the Black Grouse officer. Meanwhile in the GGLP Castle Douglas office, the project team is now at full strength with the appointment of Jonathan Barrett as the land management and access officer and Helen Keron as the education and community engagement officer joining myself, McNabb and Jude. There is still a huge amount to do but I think we have made a great start! Please sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. If you think there is an opportunity to shout about our heritage, please let us know. Please sign up for our newsletter and follow us on facebook and twitter. If you think there is an opportunity to shout about our heritage, please let us know. www.gallowayglens.org Glenkens Gazette page 8 GALLERY AT LAURIESTON WINTER SHOW The Gallery at Laurieston is once again proud to host some of the region’s best artists and makers. This year’s impressive Winter Show 2018 cast list includes: Hazel Campbell, Clare Dawdry, Lisa Rothwell-Young, Gary Craig, Peter Wareing, Pamela Grace and Phil McMenemy. The gallery is open most days during the build-up to Christmas for you to call in to keep supporting our local creatives in this wonderful local gallery. Phil is available to be contacted on 01644 450 235 and welcomes your visit to browse the quality Scottish art on display. Further information on the exhibition can be found on the ad on the back page River Dee: Winter by Hazel Campbell, one of the of this issue of the Gazette. artworks which will be on display at the winter show. Galloway Glens Biosphere Experience A new project has recently started called the Galloway Glens Biosphere Experience. The aim of the project is of boosting tourism in the area by developing a series of bookable packages for visitors and locals. Run by Laura Davidson of the Southern Uplands Partnership, the project wants to connect people to the natural, cultural and artistic heritage of the area. The project is looking to support and assist local businesses and individuals who are able to offer authentic experiences tied in with the themes of our natural resources, landscape and people. This might include a food-anddrink theme, seeing how local producers work and then following up with a cookery class utilising the product. Alternatively, a weekend of arts-andcrafts, spending time with a variety of artists and enjoying taster sessions of what they do. There will also be a focus on nature, wildlife and landscape including the history and stories that shaped the area. Working closely with the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere and the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership team, Laura is currently welcoming input from existing businesses or those with an idea that they would like to progress. It is hoped to hold some open meetings in the Glenkens area over the next few months to allow everyone to share their ideas for the project. Anyone interested in finding out more about the project can email Laura directly on laura@sup.org.uk or follow the Facebook page @experiencegalloway Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 9 CatStrand Highlights CatStrand’s festive season kicks-off in traditional style with the annual Youth Players pantomime. On stage at 7.30pm on Friday 7, Saturday 8 and 2pm on Sunday 9 December will be the traditional story of Cinderella...but with a few twists. Don’t miss one of the most popular events of the year! Friday 14 December sees the last Dark Sky Jazz Club of 2018, featuring the Alyn Cosker Trio. They present exciting, fresh electric jazz and their recent album KPF has created quite a buzz on the jazz scene. The Christmas Ukulele Party will be on Tuesday 18 December at 7pm (please note change from date published in the CatStrand brochure) - free admission even includes a glass of mulled wine. CatStrand Open Stage was relaunched in October and Wednesday 19 December sees the Christmas Open Stage hosted by local singer- songwriter and poet Alan McClure. This popular evening is open to everyone, whether you want to perform or just be in the audience. Admission is free and no pre-booking is required. Our final event of the year is the Christmas choir concert on Saturday 22 December at 4pm, for which The Cairn Chorus will return to CatStrand as part of their Star of Wonder tour. All the usual regular events will continue until CatStrand closes on Sunday 23 December for the festive break, re-opening on Thursday 3 January. The Midwinter Film Festival runs from Thursday 10 until Sunday 13 and featuring five films shown in various locations - CatStrand, Dalry Town Hall and Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. A season ticket for this is only £20. Friday 18 sees the return of local theatre company Fox & Hounds with their production of I’m Missing You, a much acclaimed show from this talented company. January will be brought to a close with another much-anticipated The CatStrand Ukes in performance. annual event, the CatStrand Burns Supper. For the first time it will actually be on the bard’s birthday, 25 January. All the usual ingredients of speeches, poems, songs, music and of course the haggis supper will be in order. Tickets are much sought after so be sure to book early! All at CatStrand wish everyone a merry Christmas and a very happy New Year - thanks to everyone for your tremendous support throughout 2018 and we look forward to welcoming you over the festive season and into 2019. Glenkens Gazette page 10 FLASH FICTION COMPETITION Are you a writer? Do you enjoy flash fiction? Well get writing! This issue’s subject is ‘Rebel’ to tie in with Scottish Book Week. Rules: It must be your own work. It must be no more than 450 words. It must be Fiction. Minimum age of entry 12 years with no maximum age limit. It must include a separate 50 words about yourself and what inspired your story. The winning entry will be published in the next issue of the Glenkens Gazette, including an online presence on the Gazette website, Facebook and Twitter. Entries will be judged by local author Ian Patrick, and the winner will receive a £10 Amazon voucher to spend on a book of their choice. Email entries to glenkens gazette@hotmail.co.uk by 5 January 2019. The winner of the October/November Flash Fiction Competition is Jean Gibbon with Bruno (printed below). Competition judge Ian says: “Congratulations Jean. A seasonal reminder of how we must care more for all sentient beings without shelter." About the Author - Jean lived in Glenkens for around 25 years, moving here from Lockerbie. She is married to a hill farmer, loves dogs and has always been moved by canine loyalty: “Whether they are given an oil drum or piece of carpet or the best sofa for a bed, they are always there for you,” she says. BRUNO That was no ordinary dog howl. A dog in pain, agony. Cara lifted her head and looked out of the small panel window of her tiny bedroom above the shop. It was almost time to open up, Christmas Eve shoppers would be calling in early for their vegetable orders, and the wholesale van would be drawing up any moment. She pulled on a fleece and ventured out to the windswept street. The howl came again, and she followed the noise up the little lane adjacent to the shop. “Oh Harry!” Cara stifled a scream. The howling stopped. She quickly extracted her mobile and called an ambulance although she knew Harry had left this world. “Oh Harry, you said you David Tallontire CHIMNEY SWEEP Covering the Glenkens & further afield 07709 144 299 or 01556 612944 - wood burners - mul�-fuel stoves - open fires - Agas - Rayburns - birds nest removal with CCTV inspec�on - cer�ficates issued - feel free to call for advice - Find me on Facebook were going up to the shelter last night,” she cried. But she knew the problem. The problem was sitting beside Harry, a shaggy tail flapping dejectedly on the ground and big sad brown eyes boring right into her soul. “I know, I know Bruno. You were not allowed in there.” The blue lights screamed to a halt and in minutes Harry was gone, his cardboard box bed shuffled aside and the lane once again dark. The dog had slunk behind a parked car and the howling started again. “Oh Bruno, what are we going to do with you?” Cara could still see the grief and confusion on his face. She remembered Harry telling her how Bruno had “chosen” him when, under the arches one Christmas, he was having one of his low spells. “He must have thought a master is for life, not just for Christmas. But now it was Christmas again and there was no master. Later that day Cara stroked his fur, and tried to coax the animal to eat. Plates of chicken, a bone from the butchers, but nothing would lift his spirits. Customers enquired, other shopkeepers called in. Cara asked each visitor: do you know anyone who would give Harry’s old dog a home? But a tramp’s flea bitten mongrel was not going to make any child happy on Christmas morning. “Days later you’ll still be here, a modern day Greyfriars Bobby. If I had a butchers shop you’d be happy, but a greengrocers..? “Oh Bruno, what are we going to do? It’s Christmas, and yes, a dog is for life, and you fulfilled your loving duty....I have no option, do I?” She looked directly into Bruno’s eyes, and they both knew the answer. THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY � 01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS � Glenkens Gazette page 11 BY-ELECTION IN THE GLENKENS Following the resignation of one of the councillors representing the Dee and Glenkens Ward on Dumfries & Galloway Council, a by-election will be held on Thursday 13 December. Two candidates chose to submit a brief statement about their policies and themselves to the Gazette, which are published below. GLEN MURRAY: SNP Glen says: Born and bred in the Stewartry, I was educated at Kirkcudbright Academy. For a number of years I lived in Dalry, where my children went to the primary school there. I was secretary of Dalry Community Council and convenor of the group that got the playpark installed in the village. I was also very active in the successful campaign to prevent the closure of Carsphairn and Kells primary schools. I’ve lived in Kirkcudbright for the last 18 years but still work in the Glenkens as manager of GTI. This initiative provides essential community transport services across the area which are of particular value to our older and more isolated or vulnerable citizens. Through GTI I’ve contributed to the region’s community transport public social partnership’s achievements in developing local transport services, including establishing a patient transport scheme and developing better transport arrangements for our young people. I understand very well the pressures faced by people living and working in our rural communities and the damage done by continued austerity and the increasing cost of living being caused by the impending exit from the EU. I combine skills and personal qualities learned over a varied career with a wealth of unmatched experience on issues Glen Murray, SNP candidate. affecting our rural towns and villages in Dee and Glenkens and, as your councillor, I will be a strong and highly respected voice for all the communities in our beautiful area. LAURA MOODIE: GREEN Laura says: If you elect me as your councillor, I will... • Fight for investment in reliable, affordable and integrated public transport • Continue to campaign against cuts to education, particularly additional support for learning. • Protect funding for carers support. • Argue for a new recycling policy that reduces financial and physical waste and tackles the scourge of plastic pollution. • Encourage the community economy to flourish through investment in small businesses, promoting the region to visitors and attracting more young families like my own. • Support the Galloway Without Pylons campaign and argue for a better and more resilient solution to upgrading our energy infrastructure. I am the only candidate returning to the ballot for this election. As a community councillor, activist, charity worker and campaigner, I believe in putting power back in the hands of our communities. I will work hard for everyone in Dee & Glenkens to create a stronger community, a sustainable local economy and a better environment for our children to grow up in. If elected as Dumfries & Galloway’s first Green Councillor, I will fight for the interests of the community of Dee & Glenkens and be a strong independent voice in the Council chamber. Laura Moodie, Green Party candidate. Use your vote to elect someone you know will stand up for people, and the planet, and who has a track record of working hard with and for her local community. Vote for positive change. The other candidates running in the by-election are Pauline Drysdale (Conservative), Jennifer Blue (UKIP) and Colin Wyper (Independent). Glenkens Gazette THE MEN’S SHED Every little helps as the saying goes, and that’s certainly true up at the Glenkens Men’s Shed based in Balmaclellan. Located behind the Old Smiddy (now well into its redevelopment phase to create a new community space) the Shed continues to thrive. Our new tea room looks brilliant - many thanks to all those ‘shedders’ who helped pull this together. The tea room’s official title is the Ian McDonald Room and was named after one of our members who sadly passed away earlier this year. Ian was an inspiration to us all and the catalyst behind the new room and accessible facilities. Next up is the Rob McLaughlin memorial workroom and bench. Rob was one of our founder members who also passed away suddenly in the summer our thoughts remain with Ann who continues to support the Shed. The Tesco Bags of Help funding has been vital in the ongoing development of the Shed and its facilities; we are most grateful to all in the community who voted for us. Next up is the Co-op Local Community Fund which came on-stream in October - please help the shed by picking us as your local good cause when shopping at the Co-op. Other fund raising activities in the New Year will include a Race Night and Fancy Dress Disco we hope to see you there! Electronics Workshop hosted by Hamilton Men’s Although we are known Shed - at the rear are Dave and Frank from as the Glenkens Men’s Hamilton Men’s Shed, and seated, left to right, are Shed, we have a number Ian Biggar, Kevin Richardson and Andi Holmes. of lady members and promote inclusiveness. We have been working from young people. with other organisations such as Glenkens Men’s Shed is supported Capability Scotland and the Visibility by Connecting in Communities, a charity to encourage attendance from LEADER and Big Lottery funded all areas of our community. project. To get in touch call in at the Membership fees for 2019 have Shed or contact Brian/Chris on 420 been set at £15 for the year and 374 or Tom on 420 895. subscriptions at £2 per week for Normal Shed opening times are: as many sessions as you like. So if Mon 9.30am-4pm & 6.30you want to see what goes on, join 8.30pm; Wed 9.30am-1pm & the gang, pursue a hobby with a bit Woodcarving from 2-4pm; Fri of company, lend a hand or learn a 9.30am-12.30pm. new skill, then please join us - we’d Chris Jowsey, especially like to hear Glenkens Men’s Shed Treasurer GLENKENS ROUTE Thursdays: 12noon-1pm – Crossmichael 1-2pm – Parton/Loch Ken Holiday Park 2-4pm – Balmaclellan area 4-5.30pm – The Hidden Road Fridays: 8-10.30am – Dalry 10.30-11am – Glenlee Area 11am – New Galloway 12noon – New Galloway Shop 2pm – Mossdale area 3-4pm – Laurieston to Gatehouse Please note that all times are approximate. 07966 103 912 page 12 charliecoid@hotmail.com Fleet Fish aims to provide top quality produce which is sourced as locally as possible. We take pride in offering friendly door-to-door service tailored to our customers’ needs. Glenkens Gazette page 13 RENTING IN THE GLENKENS Are you a landlord, looking for a tenancy or considering renting out a property in the Glenkens? Private rented accommodation is vital to the area which is why our local housing trust (the Pamela Young Trust) is so important. By providing secure, affordable longterm rents to people with local connections they are giving young people the opportunity to set up home here, the elderly to retire locally and encouraging families to stay in the area, helping to keep the schools, communities and businesses flourishing. However, the Pamela Young Trust is mainly centred in Dalry and has a limited number of properties suitable for larger families. This leaves a significant gap in the Glenkens housing market for private landlords, yet rented properties in the Glenkens can be hard to come by. Often the only way to find out about what’s available is by word of mouth, or being in the right place at the right time. Local community engagement worker Sam Rushton has been approached by a number of people looking for help finding housing and has agreed to look at ways we can make the local private rented market more match properties with tenants. From there, we may be able to look at ways to support landlords and tenants who rent long-term and incentivise property owners to choose to let on a longer-term basis. If you think this is a worthwhile idea and would like to get involved, or have your property listed on the local database, please contact Sam on 07741 656 601 or samCEW@ newgallowaycommunity.shop Sam is also encouraging local landlords to get involved in the Glenkens Business Network (GBN) for support, information and opportunities locally. There is a closed Facebook group @GlenkensBu sinessNetwork, or get in touch to be placed on the GBN email list. This leaves a significant gap in the Glenkens housing market for private landlords, yet rented properties in the Glenkens can be hard to come by... accessible for both prospective tenants and landlords accross the Glenkens. The place to start seems to be with a database of local landlords and rental properties that is free and easy to access, helping to ULTRASOUND PREGNANCY SCANNING ����������������� �������������������������������� ��������������������������������� ��������������������� ����������������������������� For bookings and info: Duncan Kennedy 07860 474001 dk@passcan.co.uk www.passcan.co.uk Mary Smith Glenkens Gazette page 14 Kells School’s Latest Adventures Thursday the first of November the inhabitants of Kells Primary set out ready for adventure! We met on the rubber playground, ready to start the fun. First we discussed our five senses, spilt into groups and off we went cameras and clipboards at the ready. One group found an interesting cobweb that had dew on it - spectacular. When we had found lots of interesting objects, we laid out lots of hoola hoops. We made different sections, depending on the different senses and in the bobbly section there was a mysterious bobbly hat; I wonder if a hippy had anything to do with that? Next we headed up to the gazebo, for the Grand Opening. (Little recap: the gazebo is a large wooden building situated at the top of our playground. For many years the gazebo has just been a storage space. Recently we tidied it out and finally got rid of all the junk. Yippee! Recap finished.) We sang a ‘Happy Gazebo to You’ song, cut the ribbons and finally entered. Next we choose what activities we would like to do. We built a GYM (gymnasium), out of wood. We did some construction, some creative art and some exercise. We also did some wood piling and some vegetable cutting ready to make our famous camp fire soup on bonfire night. Afterwards we made boats out of leaves and twigs and floated them down the stream. This was really fun and almost made us late for lunch! After lunch (eaten in the gazebo) a few people snuck inside (even though we spent all day outside) to make a birthday banner for a very special Teacher – he thought he had kept it a secret. We put his favourite things on it and then the children signed it all Kells Primary School pupils with, somewhere, top secret. Then we teacher Mr Thompson. hid it in the cupboard, very secret... At the end of the day we gathered around the bonfire which made a massive photo was glistening like the moon on a frame out of planks of wood and dark night. During the night there made an abstract collage for our were some amazingly fun activities art piece: Bearded Man. After this on offer including sparklers, cooking we were really excited so we had sausages and soup, playing with a two-minute leaf fight that was glow sticks, hide-and-seek, and awesome; all the boys ganged up having a whole lot of fun in the on the girls. You may be able to darkness. We also raised a great guess who won… (boys). £81.63 which we plan to use Finally Mister Thompson drove his towards our fundraising for a bell van up to the top of the hill, and tent. we put on some rather loud, rather We would like to thank all crazy, music that had a lot of bass the parents and carers, family and we all had a mad, energymembers, teachers and friends burning outdoor dance! for providing us with these At six o’clock on Monday the fifth opportunities. of November the party began. The Fiona Edgar & Stefan Perkins, p7 children of Kells Primary School Dalry Secondary’s Brand New Breakfast Club Breakfast - the most important meal of the day. It has been shown that eating a healthy breakfast before starting the school day is linked to improved concentration, better test scores, increased energy, a higher intake of vitamins and minerals, and even a healthier body weight. Breakfast is especially important for young students whose brains use up about half of the body’s energy. With this in mind, Dalry Secondary has established a new Breakfast Club to ensure that we never have any child or young person’s education suffering because they are hungry. It is available for all and is a chance not only to grab some breakfast but also to socialise with friends in a relaxed atmosphere prior to the start of the school day. Pupils chatting and enjoying breakfast in the school cafeteria. It’s proving to be very popular and the elected members of the pupil council are currently looking at how the pupils would like to see it develop to become even more appealing. Glenkens Gazette page 15 EARLY LEARNING IN THE GLENKENS What a positive start to an exciting new year it’s been at Dalry Early Learning & Childcare (ELC), formerly Dalry Nursery, situated in Dalry Primary School. August and September saw lots of exploring our surroundings and the open-ended learning resources we have created in our new ‘curiosity and enquiry-based’ nursery environment. The hard work put in to this new setting has paid off - we are seeing the most magically creative and collaborative learning taking place. This type of engagement is something that we firmly believe would not take place with conventional toys and games. The summer term also saw us enjoying daily outdoor play in the new Primary/ELC outdoor area. Here we can guddle, dig, pour and splash, investigate bugs, wildlife and plants, climb, adventure, balance and create in a variety of outdoor situations. We also love to have the primary school children in to play during breaktimes; the older children usually bring a different and varied style of play, which is enjoyed by the ELC children, and the ‘big ones’ are incredibly sensitive and caring to the younger ones. We have also been utilising the community park behind Throughgate to offer a more diverse and ‘wild play’ experience. The park’s everchanging scenery has stimulated wonderful learning around the seasons, biodiversity and interdependence, something which cannot be taught in an indoor, synthetic, adult-led environment. We have been learning about Bonfire Night, Diwali and Poppy Day, allowing the children to lead the way in asking questions. These lines of enquiry have led us to look at light and dark, shadows and puppetry...so much fun! We have also welcomed a lot of visitors - the police came in to tell us about being kind and helping others; some of our parents enjoyed telling us about their experiences with the armed forces during Poppy Day; Morag from Energise involved us in a community art project (watch this space); and Charlie the Fish Van Man visits every Friday for the children to choose and pay for their own healthy snack from his van. However, I think our favourite ELC children having fun with our outdoor blackboard. visitors of all are the parents and family members when they come in for our monthly ‘Stay & Play’ sessions. For the rest of the Christmas term we intend to continue to investigate our exciting and diverse resources and enjoy daily outdoor play. If you would like regular updates on Dalry ELC, please ‘like’ and follow our open Facebook page - have a look around and please feel free to leave a comment or two. Jenna Devlin Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry WISHING ALL OUR CUSTOMERS A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! The restaurant & rooms will be closed from 14 to 24 January to carry out maintenance and repairs (the bar will remain open in the evenings), re-opening on Thursday 24 January. 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk Licensed convenience store and newsagent stocking a range of local suppliers. - We would like to thank all our customers for their continued support and pass on best wishes for the Festive season Festive Season Opening Times: Christmas Eve: 7am - 5pm Christmas Day: closed Boxing Day: 8am - 2pm Hogmanay: 7am - 5pm 1st January: closed 2nd January: 8am - 2pm Normal Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Galloway hampers & wreaths in stock Tel: 01644 430 225 Glenkens Gazette page 16 GLENKENS GUIDES CULINARY VISIT 1st Glenkens Guide Unit enjoyed an outing to Station House Cookery School, Kirkcudbright, instead of holding their usual weekly meeting at the Glenkens Community Centre. They were joined at the Cookery School by guides from Kirkcudbright, and all the girls were given instruction by Nick, the owner and head chef, on the safe and correct use of kitchen knives, preparation of vegetables, rice and curry spices, and a demonstration of how to make an Indian flatbread. The girls then went through into the work stations and prepared their own vegetable curry, rice and flatbread. Nick is an excellent teacher, showing great patience and sympathy when working with such young cooks. The cookery school is a really good place to learn new culinary skills, and there are several courses on offer throughout the year. 1st Glenkens Guide Unit will be holding a Quiz Night on Friday 18 January to raise funds for the Unit and to help guide member Sarah McCreath raise funds towards the cost of attending an International Guide Camp next summer. Anyone interested in entering a team in the quiz should contact Hilda McAdam on 430 383. The quizmaster will be Keith Dickie. Your support will be gratefully Spooktacular Halloween Friends of Dalry School (FoDS) hosted their annual Spooktacular Halloween Party at Dalry Town Hall. It was a huge success, with around 50 children enjoying the evening’s entertainment of dooking for apples, donuts-on-a-string, pumpkin-putting and worms-and-eyeballs-in-the-flour. Thank you very much to everyone who came to support this event. It was lovely to see so many younger children and new faces too. Thanks also go to the wonderful FoDS team, who never fail to host a brilliant event. Keep your eyes peeled for updates on the new FoDS committee - the current role-bearers wish them the best of luck with their future fundraising ventures. We are sure they’ll be amazing! For updates and info visit www.facebook.com/ friendsofdalryschool Sophie preparing her veg for the curry. appreciated, whether by entering a team, donation of a raffle prize, or help with providing a supper. New members to our Guide Unit are always welcome. Please go online to Girlguiding UK ‘Join Us’, or contact Kathryn Peace for more information on 430 281. Kath Peace Jenna and Julie hard at work... DALRY SECONDARY’S POPPY PLEDGE Dalry Secondary School would like to thank everyone who gave their support to the school over the past eight months regarding the Poppy Pledge. Fancy Dress Day, ‘Billet Night’, Guess the Sweeties in a Jar, Guess the Bear Name, and a Coffee Morning which featured Lorna’s famous cake raffle. The events culminated in a night of drama and song with a performance of Archie Dobson’s War and a community singalong led by The Lyric Community Singers. The evening was a great success, both educational and fun. Special thanks to Alaena Warren, This has been a major commitment Sue St Joseph, the Lyric Community and would not have been achieved singers, and also to the Fox & Hound without the drive and enthusiasm of Theatre Company. history teacher Mrs Warren, who has Throughout the campaign local motivated everyone. businesses have generously donated We have had a Tray Bake Sale, 1918 raffle prizes or agreed to take donation tins. The monies raised contributed greatly to the overall target; for instance, Wright’s shop in Dalry filled four tins, raising £370! S1 pupils displaying grand total raised. Special thanks also to the Galloway Activity Centre for donating such a wonderful prize - a weekend at one of their eco bothies, which raised £354. The grand total raised is a whopping £2,295.30, a fantastic sum for a small school and community to achieve. Poppy Scotland has sent its thanks personally to everyone. Most importantly, the pupils have actively contributed to helping exservicemen around Scotland with shelter, PTSD and other issues. They have taken pride in this, and worked together to achieve a common goal. Some pupils have challenged themselves and achieved more than they thought possible, and others have shown real leadership and commitment. A special thanks to our fourth year girls, Florrie Newbery, Caitlin Blackett and Laura Edington. Many, many local businesses supported our fundraising efforts and we would like to give them a huge ‘thank you’. Lorraine Gillies Glenkens Gazette page 17 Blackcraig Community Benefit After a period of uncertainty Temporis Capital, the new owners of Blackcraig Windfarm, have confirmed that they will honour the community benefit payments of £264,500 per annum for the next 25 years. This confirmation was given at a meeting held by Emma Harper MSP, Finlay Carson MSP and local councillor Dougie Campbell. The Glenkens & District Trust, which was set up with the purpose of, among other things, advancing community development by distributing windfarm community benefit monies, has welcomed this statement and is planning to meet Temporis shortly to discuss how the monies could be used to bring the maximum benefit to our communities. The current membership of the Trust includes the Community Councils of Balmaclellan, Balmaghie, Corsock & Kirkpatrick Durham, Crossmichael, Parton, New Galloway & Kells and St Johns Town of Dalry. The Trust has also announced the appointment of Fiona Smith as their independent chairman with immediate effect. Fiona, who lives in Balmaclellan, has worked as the General Counsel at two FTSE 100 companies. She has also been a non-executive director of Coventry Building Society and is currently a These significant funds coming into the wider Glenkens over the next 25 years have the potential to make a material difference. The Trust wants this money to be used wisely and has already received initial feedback from its members that it needs to ensure it gets the maximum benefit for the area as a whole. It recognises that by working across the wider area it is better placed to achieve this. The immediate priorities of the Trust are: to engage with Temporis Capital to understand their requirements, and to finalise the outputs from the recent surveys, report back to and receive further feedback from our wider Glenkens community. The Trust will then take forward whatever actions are required to make it an effective organisation for the benefit of the communities it serves. Public meetings will be held in the first quarter of 2019 to present up to date plans. In the meantime, if you have any questions please contact Fiona Smith at glenkensdistricttrust@ outlook.com The Trust ... needs to ensure it gets the maximum benefit for the area as a whole. non-executive director at Manchester Building Society. In deciding to appoint her as chair the trustees believe she is the right person to lead a reinvigoration of The Glenkens & District Trust with the support and assistance of a committed and enthusiastic board. Electric heading finally comes of age - for less cost than a HEATING SOLUTIONS standard wet system! Uniquely awarded the NF+++, Europe’s highest efficiency and manufacturing accreditation. HALF-PRICE STANDARD INSTALLATION FOR ALL DECEMBER ORDERS! AAA rated. • Ground-breaking technology - systems that know when you are in or out, and adjust energy use accordingly - they even check the weather! • TPI and V27 self-learning technology to detect, analyse and adapt to the user’s lifestyle. • Intelligent, interactive Wi-Fi. • Separate programme timing and temperature control for each individual room. If you would like further information, please call 0800 171 2942 or visit www.precisehs.co.uk Precise Heating Solutions Ltd registered in Scotland No. SC606152 Glenkens Gazette page 18 Glenkens Business Network At the beginning of this year a group of Glenkens-based businesses got together at The Smithy in New Galloway to share tea, coffee, cake and ideas. It was agreed that the aim of the group would be to help give Glenkens-based businesses of all types the opportunity to network, skill share, access information and advice, learn from each other’s experience and create more opportunities for businesses to flourish here in the Glenkens. Four meetings have been held so far, with 20 local businesses attending. Topics discussed have included supporting young people in our community with job and work experience opportunities, and becoming General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliant and using social media to boost your business. Guest speakers have included D&G Business Gateway and the IT Centre, Castle Douglas, as well as award-winning B&B owner Ronnie Bradford who shared his business journey with us. It is hoped that the Glenkens Business Network will continue to grow, develop and become an asset to the community. Our next meeting will be on Thursday 24 January from 6-7pm at the CatStrand. All local businesses, large and small, are welcome - just come along! If you have been before, why not bring a friend along... Find us on Facebook @glenkensbusinessnetwork Sam Rushton, Community Engagement Worker, New Galloway & Kells library-style basis. These could range from smaller tools like jeweller's screwdrivers to mend your glasses, to medium-sized things like drain rods and power tools, to larger items like scaffolding and cement mixers. As a new scheme, we have got to clarify how to keep track of people that would like to be involved, and how the scheme would run efficiently and safely. For instance, we could set it up as an informal network with a list of names, contact details and a list of what tools or skills people could offer. Tools would be lent out on an informal basis and the arrangements would be purely between the two people. Alternatively, if we get enough interest and can raise funds, we could make it much more formal, getting some insurance to cover breakages, and maybe some storage for tools that belong to the Tool Network/Library. Tool libraries already exist elsewhere in the world – a very successful one being in Edinburgh – so why not in the Glenkens? Firstly though, we want to find out the level of interest in taking part in the project - what you could offer and what the project could do for you. If you would be interested in this project, please contact Richard or Denise on 420 286 or rkiernan@iee.org. There are a number of us interested in lending our own tools and have our own wish lists, and the Men's Shed have also kindly said that they can donate some tools too. We look forward to hearing from you! Richard & Denise Kiernan A GLENKENS TOOL LIBRARY How many of us have tools lying around unused for most of the time that other people could potentially use? How often have you needed a tool for a short time and have had to spend time and money to hire it, then spent even more time and money driving to and from Dumfries to collect it? Have you ever bought a tool for one job because the difference between buying and hiring was so little, whilst thinking "I bet someone near here has got one but I don't know who to ask!"? All of these apply to us. We want to start a community-run scheme where tools are offered on a Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Susan Currie with A Wee Glenkens Dug Getting Ready for Christmas. Susan wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s Sunday carvery. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “The photograph of the dog is so well framed and, with Christmas just around the corner, we felt this shot had to take the winning seat this issue.” How to Enter: any photos taken in the Glenkens can be entered - landscapes, wildlife, portraits, action shots... Email them to glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 19 SPALDING BOWLING CLUB Spalding Bowling Club held its Annual Prizegiving dinner at The Clachan Inn Dalry. President Gordon McAdam and his wife Sarah presented the prizes. A great night was had by all and special thanks go to Phil, Laura and staff at The Clachan for a lovely meal. Pictured are, left to right: (back row) Kate Bone, Valerie Russell, Ann Hamilton, Robin Bell, John Peacock, John McNally, Paul Nicolson, (front row) Ladies’ Champion Elizabeth Peacock, Gents’ Champion Gordon McAdam, Sarah McAdam, Janet Braithwaite and Sharon Fishwick. Valerie Russell Rocktober at the CatStrand This October saw CatStrand once again hosting Connecting in Communities’ annual Rocktober music-fest. There was standing room only as the crowd were blown away with hard rocking sets from The Outfit and Voodoo Sun. Between sets DJ CJ filled the gaps with some ‘Old’s Cool’ tunes and a tricky little rock quiz, while Jim Ranyard worked his magic on the lights and sound desk. Andrew Frew was the busiest man in the house, doing a roaring trade at the bar, whilst the international audience boogied on down with visitors from as diverse a range as Finland, France, Hungary and Geordieland enjoying the show. CatStrand normally hosts a more sedate music scene, but for those who appreciate their music loud and proud with a Voodoo Sun performing at CatStrand’s Rocktober 2018. rockier edge, look out for Sticky Fingers on Saturday 13 April 2019. Chris Jowsey ĀȀ̀ЀԀ‫܀؀‬ЀࠀԀऀ਀଀଀ఀഀ ฀ༀကԀᄀఀࠀሀጀሀఀ̀ЀԀ᐀Ȁ଀ԀᔀЀЀ ᘀԀ‫܀؀‬ЀࠀᜀЀࠀ᠀Ԁᤀఀ଀ሀ ĀȀ̀ЀԀ‫ࠀ܀؀‬Ԁऀ਀̀Ԁ଀ఀЀഀ̀Ѐఀ฀ԀఀༀԀက‫܀‬Ȁ฀ᄀԀሀȀ‫܀‬ᄀԀሀ‫܀‬฀ጀԀ᐀ࠀࠀఀᔀᘀ‫ऀ܀‬ᘀఀЀ ḀȀࠀЀ᠀̀ഀԀἀԀ ࠀ̀Ѐᬀ଀ጀ̀ഀԀἀԀ!Ȁ""ጀ̀"Ѐࠀ̀ ᨀԀ᠀̀଀ȀࠀᬀԀ‫܀‬Ȁᄀఀ‫܀‬ԀᰀȀጀᄀЀԀ ᐀Ȁ଀Ԁ̀ᴀЀԀ‫܀؀‬ЀࠀᜀЀࠀ᠀ Glenkens Gazette ORAN BAGRAIDH Knockengorroch’s Oran Bagraidh album, created at Barscobe House, outside Balmaclellan, launches at Celtic Connections on Saturday 2 February. The launch event is at the Mitchell Theatre, Glasgow, 7.30pm - book your tickets now before they sell out. The Oran Bagraidh album was created during the residency that took place in the Glenkens in September this year. Ten leading traditional poets and musical artists took part in the exciting, multi-lingual week of creation. The artists worked together to create a new arrangement of the Galloway Gaelic Oran Bagraidh song – translating to ‘Song of Defiance’. This song is allegedly the only surviving example of the extinct dialect of Galloway Gaelic, spoken across South West Scotland from the 5th to 18th century, and mentions several place names in the Glenkens parish of present-day. Musicians and artists/ poets included awardMusicians gathered in Barscobe House, winning Scots/ Gaelic Balmaclellan, during the residency. singer Josie Duncan, lauded Irish song archaelogist Lorcan Mac The album will be the first Mathuna, former Welsh poet laureate commissioned, produced and and singer Gwyneth Glyn, celebrated released by Knockengorroch and is Irish Sean-Nós singer Doimnic Mac available for pre-order now. Giolla Bhríde, Belfast fiddler Conor The project is funded by Caldwell, ancient instrument virtuoso Creative Scotland, Arts Council Barnaby Brown, poet, singer and Ireland and PRS Foundation and performance artist MacGillivray, supported by Barscobe Heritage widely published poet Rody Gorman Trust. For futher information visit and medieval Welsh duo Bragod. www.oranbagraidh.com On Barscobe Hill These small pieces were written by Rody Gorman during the Oran Bagraidh residency at Barscobe House (see above article). They are extracts from a sequence of haiku-like tercets, all relating to the immediate locality and with a placename reference of Gaelic provenance in each piece, many mentioned in the song Òran Bagraidh. Air Cnoc Bhàrr Sguab [On Barscobe Hill] na fir a’ saodadh a’ chruidh san fheasgar air Bealach nan Sluagh a’ dol à sealladh uidh air n-uidh [the men driving the cattle in the evening over the Slock of the Balloch going out of sight little by little] is carson a bhios mi gun sgur a’ caoidh mun fheadhainn a bh’ ann ‘s a dh’fhalbh am Baile MhicIllFhaolain ‘s Baile MacAoidh? [and why I am forever lamenting about all those that were there and aren’t anymore in Balmaclellan and Balmaghie?] an crodh Gàidhealach a’ briseadh na beàrna ‘s a’ cumail orra thairis air Carrsa Feàrna [the Highland cattle making a breach and carrying on past Carsphairn] gun fhiosta, breacadh-rionnaich a-mach às an adhar air a’ mhòintich page 20 os cionn Ach an t-Sionnaich [suddenly, a mackerel sky on the moor above Auchenshinnoch] letheach am falach, am bad far an rachadh na balaich ris a’ bhreacach aig Sruthan Salach [half hidden, the flocktuftspot where the boys used to go fishing for trout at Stroanshalloch Burn] na sgòthan a’ bagairt ach fhathast – na sìtheanan air Bàrr an t-Sagairt [the clouds threatening but still – the fairy-knollflowers on Bartaggart Hill anns an Taigh Mhòr le grèin i mBarr Scuab ar maidin, dìreach a’ bruidhinn rium fhèin [in the Big House in the sun in Barscobe on my own in the morning just quarreltalking with myself] eadar mi ‘s leus, reith leis fhèin cho math, mo thruaighe, air an t-slighe tro Chasan Beithe [between me and the light, a tup on its own as well on the way through Cassenvey] air ais, a chiall, nach ait an dèidh nam bliadhnaichean a thoirt gun triall air Creag a’ Chait [back strange after years not going to the rocky hill at Craighit] èist! - breacan-beithe a’ ceileireadh ri beul na h-oidhche am badeigin aig Achadh Reithe [listen! – a chaffinch warbling in the evening in some tuftplace in the field at Auchrae] mu dheireadh thall ‘s a-bhos nam huidhe air an tulaich mar cheann-uidhe shuas air Monadh Buidhe [at long last sat on a knoll as my destination up on Monybuie Hill] dìreach searrach agus a làir far an do chuireadh blàr là dhan robh ‘n saoghal an Cùil an Àir [just a mare and her foal where a battle was fought long ago at Kilnair] gun charachadh, corra-ghritheach ‘s an uair sin a’ togail ‘s a’ dìreadh mar sin ri Beinn nam Fitheach [not moving, a heron and thathourtime then lifting and climbing up Benaveoch] am feur gorm na gheamhar agus an t-earrach ùr air tighinn ann an Clach Reamhar [the bluegreen grass in blade now that the freshnew spring has arrived in Clachrower] as t-fhoghar am bàrr a’ Bhinnein far an robh mi uair a bh’ ann le MacIllFhaolain ‘s MacIllFhinnein [in autumn on the creamcroptop of Bennan where I was onehourtime with MacLellan and McLennan] díreach creatlach de chró tí mar a mbíodh lena ló de chluichí ag Teach Mór Dhál Rí [just straightup the skeletonframe of a hovel where there used to be such games at the Big House in Dalry] seachain! caochán nach bhfeicfeá faoi bhun do bhonn ar Shrón Fraochán [mind! a blind rill you might not see under your feet at Stroanfreggan] mo chuimhne de shíor ar shuirí ach gur imigh sí an lá sin i mBarr Mhuirí [thinkremembering about love all the time but it’s all gone that day in Barmurrie] Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN LOCHENBRECK Lochenbreck (Loch of Trout) on what was the Woodhall Estate, Balmaghie, was for a long time - “time immemorial” according to one reporter - a place of resort for folk in search of cures for such diseases as ague, stomach pains and “many female weaknesses” at the nearby Chalybeate well. There was a small house offering lodgings but in 1790 it lacked a road. Feus or building leases, however, were to be had on “very moderate terms”. By 1844 an inn was available - S R Crockett referred to it as a spa and hotel which, in 1904, was “renewing its youth”. In 1908 it was taken over as a private house. The loch is still very popular with fishermen. When the Arctic explorer, John Richardson from Dumfries, published his book on Fishes in the Fauna BorealiAmericana or the Zoology of the Northern Parts of British America series, an enormous project which he conceived and launched, he illustrated the entry on salmo fario, or Scottish burn trout, with a specimen from Lochenbreck. He and his brother Peter, who lived at Disdow, Gatehouse, were, like so many who preceded and followed them, much taken with the loch and its surrounding scenery. Lochenbreck is just off the glorious Lauriston – Gatehouse road. It inspired Malcolm Harper to verse: Dear aye to me is the bricht glancing Burnie That rins mang the rocks in the deep shady dell But dearer an brichter to me than them a is The lassie I lo’ed at Lochenbreck Well! He recalled that during bad weather the lads and lassies staying at the hotel would retreat to the Well House for “fun, frolic and banter”. Kenick Hill to the east of the loch was known as the ‘Hill of Health’. On the same theme an analyst opined that the well waters would be found efficacious as a beverage. “The mineral ingredients of which the waters are composed are sulphate and carbonate of lime, with iron and traces of carbonate of magnesia.” Burns probably looked for something more stimulating when, or rather if, he passed through. It was claimed on the basis of no evidence that he wrote his song ‘Scots Wha Hae’ in the Change House at Lochenbreck when he was en-route to Kirkcudbright. For amusement there were bowling and croquet greens. A mile away on the Lauriston road stood Burnside Cottage, home of two sisters, Tibbie and Maggie McGhie, who were said to be the “last representatives of the McGhies of Balmaghie”, a clan which some believed to be one of the oldest in Galloway. Tibbie composed poems and organised levees in her cottage, for the hotel guests and others who showed up for the crack and the fun, as well as for a glimpse into the Galloway past. One of her poems entitled Thoughts on First Seeing a Railway Train requires no explanation: An auld wife she sat down to sew, As wi her specs she luked through; She saw a train come across the Dee, Oh! What a woner’s thing, said she. Maggie reputedly attended to domestic matters, keeping the cottage immaculate and the hens fed. The painting by Malcolm Harper is unusual in showing an interior. The seated lady is probably Maggie but I may be wrong, and any information on the two ladies would be very welcome. The closest metropolis was and is Clauchanpluck, uninspiringly renamed Lauriston by a nineteenth century proprietor. It was for a time the meeting place for the presbytery of Kirkcudbright. Crockett attended the local school. Some years ago, when I asked a resident how many folk living in the village were actually born there, he replied that there used to two but one had recently emigrated to Crossmichael! Ted Cowan N ew Galloway Golf Club Foun ded 1902 www.n g gc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire Maggie McGhie’s Cottage by Malcolm Harper VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Glenkens Gazette page 22 The Great War: The Final Chapter By the time you read this, the commemorations of the centenary of the Armistice will be drawing to a close. The final Glenkens deaths from the war are: Matthew Brown Hyslop was the son of Daniel and Caroline (Spiers) Hyslop of Mosscroft, Balmaclellan, and was working in Shirmers Farm, Balmaclellan, when he enlisted into the Royal Marines Artillery in June 1918. He died on 25 October 1918 of pneumonia at his brother-in-law’s farm of Poundland, Dunscore, and is buried in Balmaclellan Parish Churchyard. He was 23 years old when he died and is listed on the War Memorials of Balmaclellan and Dunscore. George Henry Thompson (Thomson on military records) was the son of the late John and Margaret (Wilson) Thompson of Kirkland Street, Dalry. George was a farm servant living at Kirkland Street, Dalry, when he enlisted into the Ayrshire Yeomanry Reserve in November 1914. He died of influenza and pneumonia at the age of 28 on 10 November 1918 and is named on the Dalry war memorial. Jane Lauder Nodwell was born in Hawick, Roxburghshire, the daughter of Samuel and Janet (Lockerbie) Nodwell of the Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway. She was a nurse with the Red Cross Voluntary Aid Detachment at Yorkhill War Hospital, Glasgow. She died on 19 November 1918 of influenza at Glasgow at the age of 24 and is buried in Kells Parish Churchyard. Jane is named on the Kells Parish memorial in New Galloway. In many cases, the names of VAD nurses were not added to war memorials but the local War Memorial Committee chose to add her name and she is the only female name on a Great War memorial in the Glenkens. John Anderson was born in Carsphairn, the son of Thomas and Mary (McRoberts or Baird or Newall) Anderson of Liggate, Carsphairn. He married Margaret Boyes (Beattie) of Liggate and later of Paisley in 1896 in Holywood, Dumfriesshire. John enlisted in June 1918 in the Remounts Service of the Royal Army Service Corps, they were responsible for the purchase and training of horses. He died of pneumonia in the Windy Knowe Auxiliary Military Addenda and corrigenda: It seems inevitable that, once something is published, new information comes to light and errors are pointed out. Such is the case with Alexander Neilson, so here is the amended version: Alexander Neilson (Nelson in service records) was born at Waterside, New Galloway, and by 1901 was living as a boarder at 18 Back Street in Dalry. In 1911 he was a ploughman at Chapelcroft Farm, Buittle, having been educated at the Dalbeattie Higher Grade Public School and he emigrated to Canada in about 1913. He was the son of Elizabeth Neilson of Hawthon Place, Southwick Road, Dalbeattie (his mother died in 1919). He enlisted at Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, in January 1915, sailed from Montreal in June 1915, and was posted to the 5th Battalion Canadian Infantry in France in August 1915. He served at Armentieres and Ypres before being killed in action on 2 June 1916 at the age of 21. He is named on the Dalry and Dalbeattie war memorials, and on the Dalbeattie school memorial and the Royal British Legion Roll of Honour now in Dalbeattie Parish Church. This series of articles has been running for as long as the Great War itself; all of the articles are available online in archive copies of the Glenkens Gazette - www.glenkensga zette.co.uk The articles are dedicated to the men who died and to the orphans, widows and bereaved parents of those killed and, especially, to those who may have survived but whose lives were irrevocably changed by war. Further information can be found at www.warmemscot.s4.bizhat.com It’s been a significant task, but an honour… Paul Goodwin ...she is the only female name on a Great War memorial in the Glenkens. Hospital in Blundellsands, near Liverpool, on 11 February 1919 at the age of 47. He is buried in Carsphairn churchyard and is named on the Carsphairn War Memorial. Much later was the final death to be listed in the Glenkens. William Campbell was born in Dalry, the son of William James and Janet (Connell) Campbell of Loch Howie, Balmaclellan. William was apprenticed to the blacksmith in Balmaclellan when he enlisted into the Cameron Highlanders in December 1914. He died on 27 April 1925 at Blowplain Farm, Balmaclellan, of tuberculosis and effects from a shell-wound. He was 29 years old and is listed on the Balmaclellan war memorial. His brother Anthony was killed on the Somme in 1916. I am not aware of any later death (than 1925) added to any Great War memorial in Scotland. HOUSE REPAIRS JOINERY Semi-retired Furniture Maker & Builder in GLENKENS AREA ...special rates for inclusion of tea, cake and friendly banter... Call Pete on 07970 462 088 Glenkens Gazette page 23 Crockett’s Glimpses Of The Glenkens The Glenkens are Crockett’s heartland in every respect. He wrote: ‘I have been most successful when I have “lee’d at lairge…truth to tell, many of my “lees” were grounded in this parish.’ In this final Glenkens glimpse I leave Crockett to describe it for you himself: THE GLENKENS “And now we come to the heart of the matter. Every traveller’s road in Galloway leads him at long and last to the Glenkens - and yet they want a railway, and set poets to ask for it! But we who are of the older day prefer to think of the Glenkens as it was in the year of Bothwell Brig, when a certain William Gordon, of Earlstoun, rode away through these sweet holms and winding paths south toward the Duchrae. Nowhere, to my thinking, is the world so gracious as between the green woodlands of Earlstoun and the grey Duchrae Craigs. For (writes the hero) ‘The pools of the Water of Ken slept, now black, now silver, beneath us. They were deep set about with the feathers of the birches, and had the green firs standing bravely like men-atarms on every rocky knoll. Then the strath opened out, and we saw Ken flow silver-clear between the greenest and fioweriest banks in the world. The Black Craig of Dee loomed on our right side as we rode, sulky after the burning of last year’s heather. And the great Kells range sank slowly behind us, ridge behind ridge of hills whose very names make a storm of music - Millyea, Milldown, Millfire, Corscrine, and the haunted fastnesses of the Meaull of Garryhorn in the head end of Carsphairn. The reapers were out in the high fields about Gordonston by daybreak, with their crooked reaping-hooks in their hands, busily grasping the handfuls of grain and cutting them through with a pleasant ‘risp’ of sound. Cocks crowed early that morning, for they knew it was going to be a day of fervent heat. It would be as well, therefore, to have the pursuit of slippery worm and rampant caterpillar over betimes in the dawning. Then each chanticleer could stand in the shade and scratch himself applausively with alternate foot all the hot noontide, while the wives clucked and nestled in the dusty holes along the banks, interchanging intimate reflections upon the moral character of the giddier and more skittish young pullets of the farmyard.’ Furthermore, I have another reason for remembering the Glenkens. It was a favourite cycling route of Sweetheart’s and mine - in the good years when cats were kittens, and dogs were puppies, and sheep were lambs, and Sweethearts had not yet grown up! “We skimmed under the imminent side of the Bennan Hill, now purple and golden-brown with the heather and the dying bracken. On our right, by the lochside of Ken, we passed the little cottage which thirty years ago was known to all in the neighbourhood as Snuffy Point, from an occupant who was said to use so much snuff that the lake was coloured for half a mile round of a deep brown tint whenever he sneezed. A little farther on is a deep tunnel of green leaves, down which we looked. It leads to Kenmure Castle. Sweetheart and I always stop just here to dream. It seems as if we could stretch our arms and float down into the wavering infinitude of stirring leaves. “In another minute we had come to the summit of the hill, and were sliding smoothly down the long, cleanly-kept street of New Galloway. Not a cur barked in our track - a fact so very remarkable that Sweetheart asked why. ‘Because New Galloway is a royal burgh,’ I said for a complete answer. “We passed the entrance to that fascinating Clatteringshaws road, which leads through the wildest scenery that can be reached by wheels in the south of Scotland. Soon we were steering northward along the green holms of the Ken, and, as we looked to the west, the sun was beginning to sit low on the horizon.’ One may spend, as I have done, many hospitable months in Dalry, housed somewhere in the bright smiling village clambering up its long slope, or, better still, provided for in the comfortable Lochinvar Hotel. It is a fine centre for excursions - yet better as a starting-place for the hill-climber, the botanist, the photographer. There is interest on every side.” SR Crockett, 1859-1914 I hope this series of Glenkens Glimpses has awakened an interest both in the places and history of the Glenkens, and the joy that can be found discovering them through the fiction of SR Crockett. Cally Phillips For further information and insight into Crockett’s Galloway writing visit www.gallowayraiders.co.uk Crockett’s Galloway fiction was republished in a centenary edition The Galloway Collection by Ayton Publishing in 2014 and are available in paperback from the online bookseller www.unco.scot, Amazon and other retailers. The Glenkens also features in Cally Phillips 2016 work Discovering Crockett’s Galloway Volume 2 Glenkens Gazette page 24 New ‘Our Heritage’ Grants A new grant is available for local projects. McNabb Laurie of the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP) said:”We are delighted to now be launching the ‘Our Heritage’ Small Grants Scheme. We have £100,000 to spend over coming years on local projects that connect people to the heritage of the Galloway Glens area and support the scheme’s six aims, including education, access improvements and visitor facilities.” GGLP are looking to make awards of up to £5,000 in value, and to support projects that aren’t part of their headline ‘suite’ of projects, thus assisting emerging POLICE OUTREACH Community PC Tom Dingwall will be working in the Glenkens on a Stewartry-wide Crime in the Home initiative. On Thursday 20 December from 10am to 4pm Tom will be in New Galloway, Dalry and Carsphairn at various times throughout the day to speak to people, especially the elderly, about how to stay safe in their homes. Tom says: “The initiative provides information on how criminals are targeting people via the telephone or online and defrauding them of money. We are handing out small cards for people to keep beside their phones to remind them of possible scams and what to look out for.” The initiative is in relation to a rise in crimes whereby people are becoming victims without even leaving their own homes. Especially elderly/vulnerable people are being targeted by opportunities that might present themselves in coming years. There is a brief application process completed application forms must be submitted by 7 January, and a decision on successful applications will be made in February 2019. If you have a project idea, or would like to find out more, please visit www.gallowayglens.org scammers claiming to be from the bank or even the police fraud department. They state that there is unusual activity on the victim’s account and they need to move their money to keep it safe - to an account set up by the fraudsters. They are also engaging the victim in conversation, gathering information which they use to create online banking profiles. These profiles take minutes to create, and give the scammer full access to people’s money, which is then changed into Euros, making it very difficult for police to trace. Glenkens Gazette page 25 Abbas Rest HELP FOR CASTLE Fundraiser DOUGLAS HOSPITAL The coffee morning held in Dalry Town Hall raised £810.70, which will go a long way to help maintain the bore holes for water. I would like to thank all the people who supported in so many ways with generous donations towards the raffle, baking, bottle stall, books, bric-a-brac and also the generous money donations. Without your help it would not be possible. Many thanks, Avril Brown CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING hosted by St Margaret’s Ladies’ Guild & Glenkens Churches Guild Wednesday 5 December New Galloway Town Hall 10.30am to 12noon - coffee, shortbread, mince pies, stalls, tombola, lucky dip Please come along and support this joint venture Knowing what a valuable resource Castle Douglas Cottage Hospital is for the Glenkens communities, St Margaret’s Ladies’ Guild decided to donate all the money raised from their Tombola at the Alternative Games in Guild president Christine Rankin commented: “We all know of people who have benefitted from the excellent care at Castle Douglas Hospital, often bridging the gap between DGRI and going home, and we were delighted to raise £269 for the Friends of Castle Douglas Hospital who do so much to help our communities”. CHARITY SEEKS NEW TREASURER Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) is growing apace, managing - and possibly soon acquiring - the lovely old Town Hall, and getting involved in outdoor developments too. We are looking for a new treasurer to take over from early in 2019. They would play a full part, with the other eight trustees, in planning and implementing future developments. This is a voluntary position, and could be a beneficial first step for someone looking to return to work or change direction in their career, it may help a younger person to develop their CV, or it might enable a retired person TRUSTEES SOUGHT Dalry Community Properties Trust (DCPT), who took over ownership of the Glenkens Community Centre in April 2017, August to the Friends of Castle Douglas Hospital. are seeking additional volunteers/trustees to help support this charitable organisation. DIY or fundraising experience would be especially useful in to share the experience gained over a lifetime in a way which supports their community. Prior financial experience would be valuable, but shadowing would be an option and training opportunities could be made available; the most important qualification is a real interest in engaging with the financial implications of the charity’s purposes. The current treasurer, Bob Glaister, will happily continue to assist with aspects of the role - for example recruiting and supporting ‘Friends of the Town Hall’. He has carried out the role for nearly four years and will continue as a trustee but, living partly at a distance, as he does, is proving too challenging for him to stay in the post for the longer-term. Please contact Bob in the first instance at rtdglaister@aol.com if you are interested in finding out more. order to help maintain the old school building for its community users, but anyone with or without these skills who is willing to support DCPT would be very welcome. For further information, or an informal chat, please contact chair Andi Holmes on 07729 292126 or andiholmes@hotmail.com Glenkens Gazette page 26 DECEMBER & JANUARY DECEMBER Sat 1, GTI Bus Trip, see p6 Wed 5, Guild Christmas Coffee Morning, 10.30am, New Galloway Town Hall Thu 6, Christmas Tasting, 5-7pm, New Galloway Shop, see p23 Fri 7 & Sat 8 (7.30pm), Sun 9 (2pm), CatStrand Youth Players Pantomime: Cinderella, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 8, Glenkens Farmers’ Market, 10am12.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Thu 13, Dee & Glenkens Ward Bi-election Thu 13, Stewartry Birdwatchers Talk, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway, see p4 Fri 14, Film: Hugo, Dalry Town Hall Fri 14, Alyn Cosker Trio, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 15, GTI Bus Trip, see p6 Sat 15, Santa’s Grotto, 10am-3pm, Kirroughtree, see back page Sat 16, Glenkens Children’s Christmas Party, 3pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall, see p25 Tue 18, Christmas Ukulele Concert, 7pm, CatStrand Thu 20, Crime in the Home Mobile Unit, 10am to 4pm, see p24 Sat 22, Cairn Chorus: Star Of Wonder, 4pm, CatStrand Fri 28, Film: Lost in Paris, Dalry Town Hall GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services JANUARY Thu 10, Film: Hereditary, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 11, Film: Edie, 7.30pm, DALRY TOWN HALL Sat 12, Film: Pin Cushion, 2pm, CatStrand Sat 12, GTI Bus Trip, see p6 Sat 12, Film: Mary Shelley, 7.30pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Sat 12, Glenkens Farmers’ Market, 10am12.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Sun 13, Film: Dark River, 7.30pm, CatStrand Mon 14 to Thu 24, Clachan Inn restaurant closed, see p15 Thu 17, Stewartry Birdwatchers Talk, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway, see p4 Fri 18, Fox & Hound Theatre Co present: I’m Missing You, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thur 24, Glenkens Business Network, 67pm, CatStrand, see p18 Fri 25, Catstrand Burns Supper, 7.30pm, CatStrand The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL 01644 420234 The 50th Annual CARSPHAIRN BURNS SUPPER Golden Celebration Friday 18 January 2019 Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn 7:00pm for 7:30pm Special ticket price £10 pp. Tickets must be reserved in advance by contacting: hall.karen@btinternet.com or Davie on 07710124255 This year’s Speakers & Artists include: Grierson Dunlop –The Immortal Memory Andrew Hunter Blair –Toast to the Lassies Helen Campbell – Reply from the Lassies Bruce McKenzie - Music Glenkens Gazette page 27 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Film Makers’ Club, Mon 7-8.30pm Exercise to Music: Mon 9.30-10.30am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time) 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris Dance 2: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time) 4.30-5.15pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, 1st Tues of the month, 6-8pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab, Mon (termtime) 7-8.30pm, ages 12-18 Animation Club, Tues 4-6pm (last session 4 Dec till Spring) Gentle Tai Chi: Wed 10am Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed 2-3.30pm The Glenkens Writers, Wed 12 Dec, 9 Jan, 13 Feb, 3.15-5.15pm (NB No spaces at present) Game Tech, last Wed each month, 68pm Writers’ Cafe, 2nd Thurs each month 7-9pm Sing it Out, Thurs 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes, 1st & 3rd Thurs each month, 1–3.30pm Yoga, Thurs 9.15-10.45am & 6.307.30pm Zumba Gold, Fri (term-time) 9.3010.30am, CatStrand, 16+ Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry: Paint & Art, Mon 2-4pm GCC Playgroup, Tues, Wed & Thurs 9.1511.45am Guides, Tues 6-8pm Brownies, Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts, Thurs 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group, Thurs 2-4pm Glenkens Children’s Club, Fri 10am12noon New Galloway Town Hall: LING Elevenses & Lunches, Tues 11am-2pm Fat Broadband Access, Tues 11am-2pm Table Tennis & Carpet Bowls, Tues 79pm Circuits, Tues 5.30-6.30pm Zumba, Wed 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, 11+ Circuits, Sat 8-9am Various Locations: Hatha Yoga, Mon 10-11.15am, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Carsphairn Post Office, Tues 1-3pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Dalry WI, 3rd Tues each month 2pm, Dalry Town Hall (except Jun, Jul & Aug) Beavers, Tues 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training, Tues & Thurs 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Mossdale Painters, Wed 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Gentle Dru Yoga, Thu 12.30–2pm, Laurieston Village Hall, contact: 450 269 Youth Writing, 1st Thurs each month (during term time) 3.30-5pm, ages 1015, Dalry Library Kettleball, Balmaclellan Village Hall, Thurs 7.30-8.30pm Coffee & Craft, Fri 9am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Bridge Hotel Scouts, Thurs 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Gentle Tai Chi, Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall Golf Junior Coaching, Sat 10-11: 30am, New Galloway Golf Course, see p8 Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. 11.30pm. Christmas Day Family CHURCH TIMES Dec, Service, Dalry Church, 10.30am. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sunday Services: Balmaclellan 9.45am: 1st. Carsphairn 11.15am: 1st,2nd,3rd,4th. Carsphairn 10.30am: 5th(Dec). Dalry 9.45am: 2nd, 4th. Kells 9.45am: 3rd. Special Services/Events: Family Service, Dalry Church, 9 Dec, 9.45am. Carols by Candlelight, Carsphairn Church, 9 Dec, 6.30pm. Watchnight Service, Kells Church, 24 Restoring Footpaths, Sat 10am-1pm, phone 420 632 to confirm Junior Golf & Come-and-Try for all ages, Sat 10am Men’s Shed, Old Smiddy, Balmaclellan. Opening times: Mon 9.30am-4pm & 6.30-8.30pm; Wed 9.30am-1pm & woodcarving from 2-4pm; Fri 9.30am12noon. United Service, Carsphairn Church, 30 Dec, 10.30am. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed. CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Kirkcudbright: Sun Mass, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sat Mass, 5pm Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tuesdays 12noon-3.30pm Fridays 10am-12noon & 1-4.30pm For further library van stops and informa�on contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 28 GLENKENS GIG BUS The aim of the Gig Bus is to provide a low cost, ad-hoc transport solution to get people in the Glenkens to and from events in and around the Region. One of the biggest drawbacks to living in this rural idyll is poor public transport, which is non-existent at evenings and weekends. If you want to get to any of the principle conurbations such as Dumfries or Castle Douglas, out of hours, and lack your own transport then you are effectively stuck; which is particularly harsh on both the young and elderly. Registered groups have access to the services offered by the Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) but individuals, small groups and families don’t qualify for this. Taxis, where available, are prohibitively expensive so another solution is required... enter the Gig Bus! Connecting in Communities (CiC), funded by LEADER and the Big Lottery, is a three-year project aimed at enriching the lives of those who live and work in the Glenkens. CiC is trialling the concept over the next few months to test its viability. The plan is simple; people register their contact details, (name, mobile and email) with CiC on 01644 420374 and when an event comes up they would like to attend contact CiC who’ll publicise the ‘gig’ and if there is sufficient interest, run a minibus to/from the event. There will be a small charge to cover the bus costs for each event dependant of time, distance, etc. Individuals would be responsible for making their own ticketing arrangements for events and, sadly, under 18s will not be able to access the service without an ������������ ���������� ������� �������������������������� �������������������������������� ����������������� ����������������� ����������������� accompanying adult - but otherwise there are few restrictions. So why not sign up today, suggest your favourite upcoming event (a Christmas party perhaps? New Year celebration?), and let’s get the ball rolling! Chris Jowsey, Volunteer and Participation Officer, CiC ����������������� ��������������� ������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������� ���������������� �������������������������������������������������� ������������� ����������������� ����������������� ������������������������������ ���������� ����������������������� ������������������������������ ����������������������� �������������������� �������������������� ������������������������ ������������������������ �������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������� ������ �������������������������������������� �� ����������������������� �������� ������������������������������������������� �� ���������������������������������������������� �������� ����������������� �� ������������������������������ ������������������������������� � �������� ������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������ ���������������������������������������������� ������������������������ ��������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������ ����������������� �������������������������������������������� WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk FEB/MAR COPY DEADLINE: 5 JAN ����������������� �������������������������������������������� ��������������������������� Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.co.uk The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 109 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_109 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/254/GlenkensGazette108.pdf ffb3fba0c05d365d2cc97be4216ccf28 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 108 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE News from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry October/November 2018 ISSUE 108 FREE Future Secured for Glenkens Charity Shop The Glenkens Charity Shop can breathe a sigh of relief as its future is now secure due to the purchase of the property by the Pamela Young Trust. During the six years the Glenkens Charity Shop has been running, it has become a vital part of the community in many ways. The shop offers grants to people and organisations within the community, as well as a place to volunteer your time, get to know your neighbours, and a space to pop into and have a chat. Charity shop founder and manager, Shirley Left to right: volunteer Ann, manager Shirley, McNaught, said: volunteer Betty and Pat, a valued customer. “To date we have managed to put without the support of everyone in over £45,200 the Glenkens.” back into the community, and we Continued on p23... honestly would never have done it BALMACLELLAN OLD SMIDDY PROJECT GETS GREEN LIGHT Glenkens Community and Arts Trust Ltd (GCAT) are delighted to announce that their project for development of The Old Smiddy in Balmaclellan is now fully funded. Works commenced in late September, and are anticipated to be complete with the building ready for opening next summer. This project has only been possible through the generous support of the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme, LEADER and private individuals. It is anticipated that the project will build on the success of the existing Balmaclellan Men’s Shed which operates to the rear of the site. The intention is to create a cultural and heritage centre which will be a major asset not only to The Old Smiddy will be able to the Glenkens but to the wider relieve this pressure both via Dumfries and Galloway area. As additional office accommodation well as the core community and and space for activities and heritage slants the aim is to create events. Continued on p11... a true multi-use building which can adapt to the needs of regular users as well as attracting new visitors to the area. There will be a gallery space which will permanently house a changing display of paintings by the highly acclaimed ornithological artist Donald Watson who lived in St John’s Town of Dalry. CatStrand Hosts First Ever Galloway GCAT’s main asset, Gaelic Conference - See Story on p23... the CatStrand in Pictured: left to right - Prof Roibeard O New Galloway, has Maolalaigh, Prof Ted Cowan, Ronnie Black, Alistair become a victim of Livingston, Dr Aonghas Maccoinnich, Prof Richard its own success and Oram, Prof Thomas Clancy, Dr Fiona Edmands and is regularly bursting Michael Ansell. at the seams. A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 ONE HUNDRED YEARS IN DALRY EXHIBITION WEEKEND Dalry Heritage Group’s One Hundred Years in St John’s Town of Dalry exhibition will run from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 October in Dalry Town Hall. Our exhibition this year envelops change, continuation and celebration within our village. The dates encompass the end of World War I, examining the effects the war had in the local community. Other aspects of the village are also explored. Photographs, articles and exhibits, including a costume display, help to tell the story of the last hundred years in Dalry. All events take place in the Town Hall, opening with a concert on Friday 5 October at 7.30pm. The following day the exhibition is open from 2-6pm, and on Sunday from 2-5pm. All are welcome, and entry is free except for the concert on Friday evening which is £3. Annie Hill, Dalry Heritage Group Dalry around 100 years ago © Dalry Heritage Group New Galloway Community Shop Returns to ‘New’ Premises New Galloway's community shop has now moved back into its refurbished premises on the High Street. comments, the shop has succeeded in these aims. Lynsey goes on to say: “The magnificently refurbished shop with improved product displays now allows us to expand our butchery and bakery selection, and also to work with new local suppliers.” During this initial period the management structure has been the NGCE Board, representing 260 shareholders and providing overall direction, project manager Helen Keron overseeing and implementing developments, and Lynsey as full-time shop manager along with four part-time shop assistants running the shop. Shop manager, Lynsey Hogg, Sam Rushton, NGCE’s said: “Well, here we are, just community engagement worker, over a year after taking over the has now moved into her office shop in New Galloway. The shop at the shop where she temporarily existed for offers community and seven months in the wellbeing support to original premises and local residents. The then for five months in next step is to complete Kitty’s Tearoom before the fitting out of the returning to our ‘new’ adjoining house, which shop in August after will operate as two refurbishment.” self-catering holiday After consulting with properties. customers and the If you haven’t had a community, the initial look at the new shop priority was to build up yet, why not call in and the stock of the shop have a browse. Lynsey to offer a wide range and the rest of the New of everyday products, Galloway Community including low cost Shop staff would like to essentials. Lynsey feels thank the shop’s regular that, judging by an customers for their increase in turnover New Galloway’s newly refurbished community shop. ongoing support. and many favourable Glenkens Gazette page 3 SHOP LOCAL IN THE GLENKENS Here in the Glenkens we’re incredibly lucky to have so many wonderful local amenities. We have a library, fire station, farmer’s market, fuel station/ garage with sandwich bar, two Post Offices, three village shops and a fourth with a cafe/bistro, a charity shop, a cafe, a fresh fish & veg van, five hotels offering food and some of whom are award-winning, a whole host of self-catering accomodation of which a number are also award-winning, an arts and community venue hosting world-class events and activities, an international music festival, numerous craft fairs throughout the year...in fact, the more I think about it, the more things spring to mind, so I’ll just stop there. We have a huge amount on offer, and a wonderful sense of community which is often noted by visitors and newcomers to the area. However, the real reason for writing this article is that the thought crossed my mind recently, when someone I was talking to was bemoaning the cost of a pint of milk in the local shop, that we won’t continue to have the amazing diversity of shops and venues, activities and events in the Glenkens if people don’t use them. Things may be a little more expensive sometimes locally - not always, I hasten to add - but it seems it’s worth paying a little extra for the convenience of having the availability close to home, both now and into the future. The cost of transport alone to travel anywhere else to buy things means that, economically, it is probably still a sensible choice. But even if it’s a little dearer, I am happy to pay a bit extra to support our local businesses. And of course, supporting local business supports our community, making us all healthier and happier. How about you? With Christmas fast approaching, it’s a great time to think local, shop local and support our local Glenkens businesses... The Editor SAT 24th NOV 11am- 4pm 13th October 10th November 10am-12.30pm For further information or to book a stall ring 01644 430 454 or visit www.dalrytownhall.co.uk Entrance by donation - proceeds towards Dalry Town Hall Refurbishment Fund North of Castle Douglas, A713 Ayr Road Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk Encyclopedia of Gardening, 22 Volumes, good condition. Contact: 01644 430 539. 3 x Edimax wifi range extenders, 2 x TP link and 2 x Nanostation line of sight transmitters. All working when removed. Contact:07769 680 938. Galloway Cattle Society Herd Books 1954 to 1970 inclusive. Contact: 07769 680 938. Upright piano in good working order. Steel frame. All notes & pedals work but would benefit from re-tuning after moving & re-varnishing the front. It will take several people to lift it into a van or similar. From smoke and pet free home. Collection from Mochrum near Knockvennie. Contact: 01644 440 683 or trevprocter@aol.co.uk HOW GLENKENS BUSINESSES CAN BENEFIT FROM THE BIOSPHERE The Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Tourism, Fiona Hyslop, officially launched the new Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere Certification Mark. The certification will be awarded to businesses that can demonstrate high standards in delivering environmental and sustainable development benefits. Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere has been recognised internationally as a world class environment for people and nature. The Biosphere offers a fantastic array of landscapes, wildlife, cultural heritage and learning opportunities for communities, businesses and visitors. The launch of the certification mark was an opportunity to highlight the global value of the UNESCO designations and the potential of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere to support sustainability, economic development and tourism in South West Scotland. Fiona Hyslop said: “This certification award...is a significant development which aligns with our priority to further promote the south of Scotland and Ayrshire as a tourism destination.” Dr Beth Taylor, Chair of the UK National Commission for UNESCO, said: “UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserves are the world’s only globally recognised designation for demonstrating excellence in sustainable development. Biospheres bring value to their communities by leveraging the powerful UNESCO brand and collaborating with the global UNESCO network.” Over recent months a successful pilot scheme has taken place with local businesses from the accommodation, food & drink and outdoor activity sectors taking part. To find out more about the new certification mark and how it could benefit your local business visit www.gsabiosphere.org.uk or email marie@gsabiosphere.org.uk ALISTER JACK MP VISITS CATSTRAND Alister Jack, recently elected MP for Dumfries & Galloway, visited CatStrand along with his wife Ann. They met with GCAT Board Chairman Alan Smith, General Manager Brian Edgar and CatStrand staff. Although Alister was already aware of many of the projects and activities based at CatStrand, he was keen to hear more about them and also about plans for the future. Earlier in the day he had visited the Men’s Shed at Balmaclellan and had also been shown the plans for the development of the Old Smiddy building. Left to right: Alan Smith, Ann Jack, Alister Jack, Brian Edgar. Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by STUDY PUBLISHED ON LOCH KEN FISH POPULATION During 2016 and 2017, the Galloway Fisheries Trust (GFT) undertook a study of the fish, fisheries and anglers of Loch Ken. The study’s aims were to assess the fish populations in the Loch and the extent to which angling around the loch assists the local economy, as well as seeking to better understand the impact of the North American signal crayfish on the fish populations and identify recommendations for the future management of the coarse fishery. The study was commissioned by the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme (GGLP) as part of the Partnership’s development phase and was managed and funded by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and GGLP. The key finds of the study were: - Loch Ken continues to be a popular fishery particularly for visiting anglers from outwith Dumfries & Galloway, with most anglers stating they are ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with their angling experience on the loch. The loch provides good overall catches during much of the year. Many match anglers feel that if more suitable fishing sites were available, then more matches would be held. - The presence of signal crayfish is felt to negatively impact on the angling, particularly through interference with baits. At present, however, it appears that the coarse fish population in Loch Ken can support the fishery in spite of this presence. - The main fish species being targeted by anglers on the loch are bream, roach, pike, perch and to a lesser extent dace and ruffe. Consideration of the overall health of these fish populations, including growth rates, suggested all were healthy. - The population of large perch in Loch Ken is felt by anglers to have increased in recent years due to these fish feeding on juvenile crayfish. Examination of perch growth Loch Ken angler with his catch. rates did find a large increase Management Group, production of in growth rates in perch over four a five-year fishery management years old. plan, improved enforcement). - Some degree of biosecurity is Nick Chisholm, GGLP project undertaken by over half of anglers officer who will be leading on on the loch to help reduce the risk activities around the loch in coming of transfer of invasive non-native years, said: “Loch Ken is one of species (signal crayfish). coarse angling’s best kept secrets. Information and data was ... The presence of crayfish is not collected via stake holder events, ideal, but this report illustrates the distribution of an angler a healthy and self-sustaining questionnaire, interviews with fishery. On the mainland of the anglers fishing (creel surveys), British Isles there are very few seine netting and through angling wild stillwater fisheries of this matches. magnitude; an angler could spend A number of recommendations weeks exploring by bank and are provided regarding boat and find something new on understanding the fish populations every visit. There are some key recommendations on this report that need to be taken forward so that Loch Ken can re-establish its rightful place as the UK’s best large wild stillwater.” Jamie Ribbens, Senior Fisheries Biologist from Galloway Fisheries Trust in the loch and the future who undertook the report, said: development of Loch Ken as an “This was an interesting piece of important coarse fishery. These work to be involved in delivering include: and it was encouraging to see how a) better promotion/increased healthy the coarse fish population accessibility (improving access of Loch Ken is. GFT would like at angling areas, creation of new to thank the many anglers and fishing pegs for angling matches) angling clubs who assisted us b) future monitoring of fish during this study. There are many populations (collection of data opportunities to develop this from matches, seine netting, creel fishery further for the benefit of surveys) the local community and anglers c) management of the fishery from around the UK and we look (improved governance through forward to working further with formation of Loch Ken Fisheries GGLP in the future.” The presence of crayfish is not ideal, but this report illustrates a healthy and self-sustaining fishery. Glenkens Gazette page 6 Glenkens Gazette page 7 THE GARDEN SPOT New to the Glenkens, or new to gardening? Then step forward... All of us gardeners have our own way of doing things. However, there may be gardeners out there who are incomers to the Glenkens or others who are taking up gardening for the first time and you might welcome a few tips relating to local growing conditions. TV programmes like Gardeners World and Beechgrove Garden (also Gardeners Question Time on Radio 4) are all very well, but local knowledge always helps. Look around to see what grows well in other people’s gardens. Generally, the soil in the Glenkens is acid and very free draining, but adding well-rotted garden compost, horse manure or farmyard manure will always put life and body into the soil. Being acid, you must add garden lime if you are growing plants that need alkali conditions – such as brassicas (cabbage, sprouts, etc). On the other hand, you will find that acid lovers such as rhododendrons, azaleas, Himalayan (blue) poppies and even blueberries can be grown more easily than in other areas. The mild(ish) wet winters and free-draining soil mean you can get away with things that wouldn’t work elsewhere; for example, I will be leaving my dahlia tubers in the ground and not lifting them – but I will probably put a double handful of old compost around the top of each plant in November for added protection. Well, the sun is out, so I am off to plant my garlic bulbs for next year... From the Desk of the Galloway Glens Scheme This regular column will give a snapshot, aside from the headline project stories, of what we are learning about our heritage and the dayto-day life of working on a scheme like this. This issue’s column, to kick things off, features McNabb Laurie, Team Leader: I have been involved in the scheme since April 2016. The development phase culminated in the submission of the stage 2 application to the Heritage Lottery Fund. I thought I knew the Ken/Dee valley beforehand, but it has been fascinating to really get under the skin of the area over the last couple of years. Now that the scheme is in its five year ‘delivery’ phase, we are able to start spending money on a number of projects. The biggest positive step of the last couple of months has undoubtedly been the recruitment of other members of the Galloway Glens team - to assist in delivery but also to share the experience with. Recruiting in D&G is different to my experience down South, but we were fortunate to have competitive processes with some really good candidates. It is horrible not to be able to employ all of the good people we met but it has been great to have Nick Chisholm join us as Project Officer. At the same time we were delighted to welcome Jude Crooks onto the team as Administrator. Jude, a Laurieston resident, is well able to keep the team in order. We will be joined by two new staff members shortly. We have been lucky to have such a range of supporters. Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Environment Team saw the potential for the scheme back in 2015. Our Board and Working Groups have been a great asset, providing advice, counsel and strategic direction. Foremost amongst this support, we were so very lucky to have the chairmanship of Sir Alex Fergusson who guided us through the challenges of the development phase. I am in no position to add the clamour of goodwill and wishes from the great and the good over the last couple of months but on a personal level I am proud to have known him and very thankful for his guidance. I have talked about this scheme pretty solidly for the last couple of years (apologies to anyone seated next to me at social events) but the employment of staff and now expenditure on projects has started to make the potential of the scheme seem real. We aim to explore and better understand the heritage of the area, giving a genuine boost to the local economy as a result. Please sign up for our newsletter and follow us on facebook and twitter. If you think there is an opportunity to shout about our heritage, please let us know. www.gallowayglens.org Glenkens Gazette page 8 Meet the Stewartry Birdwatchers Interested in birds and other branches of natural history? If ‘yes’, why not come along to the Stewartry birdwatchers indoor meetings which have been held in Kells School, New Galloway, since 1976. Each year we have eight talks from September to April which we hope will appeal to all those who enjoy the countryside. This session started off in September with a very interesting talk by our chairman, Jeremy Brock, on a sixweek overland journey he and his wife made through Northern Turkey to Georgia in 2015 entitled Overland to the Caucasus for Birds. He gave a portrait of the relatively unknown country of Georgia and its birds, including mention of some of its flora and history. Our next talk on 11 October is Forty Years on the Farne Islands by Graham Wren, who has spent several summers over many years on these islands studying the breeding birds and also monitoring the grey seals. He will compare the breeding bird populations of the 1970s with the quadrupled breeding seabird population of the present day which has resulted in problems of severely reduced vegetation. Now there is a threat to the already fragile puffin nesting habitats from the expanding population of grey seals. We welcome Hayley Anne Douglas on 15 November with a talk titled Tag-nTrack: Lesser Black-backed Gulls for a look at these birds as you have never seen them before. Not everybody’s favourite bird in seaside towns but through satellite tracking we can follow their daily lives and show there is more to this species than stealing chips. Our final talk before Christmas on 13 December is by Ian Bainbridge on The Shorebirds of the Solway. With such a long coastline in the south of this region this talk should be of special interest. Ian will explain the identification, distribution, abundance, migration and other wonders of these wading birds and also answer the intriguing question ‘which wader nests in two different countries in the same year?' Officially we are called the Stewartry Branch of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club (SOC). All are welcome - although we have the word ‘ornithologist’ in our title we are not a scientific body with Lesser black-backed gull. dry-as-dust speakers; rather should the emphasis be on the word CLUB with friendly and informal meetings. Throughout the year, the more active members also go on excursions to interesting locations on the coast as well as inland...weather permitting of course. If birds and all aspects of the countryside interest you please come along to our meetings - and bring your friends along too! Non-members are always welcome. Contacts: chairman - Jeremy Brock on 01557 815 098, vicechairman – Peter Swan on 01556 502 144, secretary – Joan Howie on 01644 420 280. Joan Howie RECENTLY AWARDED ‘CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR 2018’ - three changing cask ales & cider - fresh, seasonal & local food - open all day every day - award-winning food, beer & atmosphere - en-suite accommodation - 20% off takeaway discount - country sport & walkers facilities - 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 9 CatStrand Highlights New Era Beckons for CatStrand JM Barrie, the enigmatic author of Peter Pan, is often credited with the saying “Nothing is really work unless you would rather be doing something else.” As I look back on my five wonderful years at CatStrand – two as youth arts officer and three as creative director – I can only agree. For much of my time here, it never felt like 'work' - I simply loved both roles. When I took on the youth arts role in 2013, originally to cover a six-month sabbatical from marine archaeology, I had no idea that I would go on to become creative director. Evidently CatStrand gets into your veins! The subsequent years have seen many highs, from the young film makers scooping a prestigious award at the Edinburgh Film Festival up to CatStrand’s 10th Anniversary Festival. There have been lows too, and a 10th birthday certainly looked in doubt after the flood of 2015 closed the venue for nine months. However, even when morale was at its lowest I never thought for a minute that we’d actually close down. Why? Quite simply because the people of the Glenkens wouldn’t let it. CatStrand is the manifestation of our will to have culture, art, entertainment – call it whatever you like - thriving on our doorstep, and as long as we want this, it will exist. So why have I given up 'the best job in the world'? Well, for those of you who haven’t yet heard, I am taking on the role of centre director of Moat Brae House in Dumfries. It’s a new challenge, a fantastic project, and an incredible opportunity to further my own aspirations to help regenerate Dumfries & Galloway. The garden at Moat Brae is of course internationally renowned for being JM Barrie’s inspiration for Peter Pan, but the primary reason behind the 10-year restoration project is to create a national Centre for Children’s Literature and Storytelling. Some of you will know that my journey into the arts began with youth projects designed to nurture interest and develop skills in young people across the region, and my first CatStrand role gave me a wealth of experience of youth music, film-making and ultimately literature. In many ways the Moat Brae role is the culmination of all my aims and ambitions, it was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. I’ll be really sad to leave CatStrand. It was always more than a job, it became part of me, and as I Simon Davidson characters helped make every day different – there really was never a dull moment! Of course there was the odd occasion when it DID feel like work, but I have to say the vast majority of the time it didn’t. It was a pleasure and a joy to work in such a place and I feel privileged to have contributed what I imagine will be a very small segment of what will become CatStrand’s long history. So it’s not 'goodbye' from me – indeed I’ll be attending CatStrand shows in the future; it’s my local theatre! And who knows, if time allows, I may even offer my services as a volunteer. Whatever happens, I wish CatStrand and all who sail in her a long and prosperous future. NOTE: Applications for the Creative Director post at CatStrand close on Fri 28 September at 12pm. ...there really was never a dull moment! often said to my wife Zoe, I was never really off-duty. The board, staff and volunteers have all been absolutely wonderful and I can’t thank them enough for their energy and dedication. The people who use CatStrand with all their colourful YOUTH PLAYERS’ CHRISTMAS PANTO The much anticipated Youth Players annual panto will be staged on Friday 7, Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 December. This year’s story is one of the best known of all - Cinderella. Tickets are on sale now so be sure to book yours early as they are sure to sell out. The script is by our favourite panto author Paul Reakes who has written many of our past pantomimes and this one is true to his style with a few twists to the original story and some great characters contributing to a laugha-minute show for the young and young at heart. Whilst there are a few new characters and unexpected deviations along the way, the traditional storyline still underpins the plot as poor Cinders is forced to carry out every wish of her cruel stepmother and ugly stepsisters. Since Prince Charming left to travel the world, the King has died and the country is being governed in the Prince’s absence by the selfish Duke of Verruca. However, Prince Charming learns of his Father’s death and returns to take up his duties but the devious Duke does not want to relinquish his position and tries everything with the help of his hapless henchmen Nip and Tuck to hold on to power. Luckily, the faithful Buttons, his friends and of course the Fairy Godmother manage to achieve the happy ending - don’t miss it!! Glenkens Gazette page 10 FLASH FICTION COMPETITION Are you a writer? Do you enjoy flash fiction? Well get writing! Each issue the Glenkens Gazette will run a flash fiction competition for short sories (under 450 words), with a different subject each time. This issue’s subject is ‘Seasons’. Rules: It must be your own work. It must be no more than 450 words. It must be Fiction. Minimum age of entry 12 years with no maximum age limit. It must include a separate 50 words about yourself and what inspired your story. The winning entry will be published in the next issue of the Glenkens Gazette, including an online presence on the Gazette website, Facebook and Twitter. Entries will be judged by local author Ian Patrick, and the winner will receive a £10 Amazon voucher to spend on a book of their choice. What have you got to lose? Email entries to glenkens gazette@hotmail.co.uk by 5 November 2018. The winner of the August/September Flash Fiction Competition is Ian Knox with In the Beginning (printed below). Competition judge Ian says: “Congratulations Ian, a thought provoking piece.” About the Author - Ian says: “In my youth I travelled widely, then settled in Dalry where I live and work. I travel more in my mind now, though still love being out in nature.” IN THE BEGINNING At the beginning of time God had a thought and part of that thought crystalised into the earth. Out of that fiery ball I was born, forming part of the mountain range people call the Rhinns of Kells. As the earth cooled we were covered in early plants as God willed life and light into the world. Then huge tropical forests sprang up and the first forms of life slithered over me. Huge dinosaurs thundered past and the air was thick with scent. The Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry Licensed convenience store and newsagent stocking a range of local suppliers including Corsons and Irvings Bakers, Ballards and Dalmellington Country Butchers and Mitchells Fruit and Veg. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 world was filled with struggling life. Raptors screamed across the skies. Time ticked on. Bang! The earth was shaken by a meteor. The skies darkened, the sun was blocked out, life retreated, and we were covered in tonnes of snow and ice. In that murky world we slept, until gradually the skies cleared. I was torn from my mother rock in the big melt, carried down the mountain slopes by a glacier and finally spat out on a wee mound at the foot of Millyea. I’m there to this day. Watching! Time tocked and cavemen camped around me hunting mammoth, temperate forests sprang up filled with new creatures. Millions of years passed and slowly humans, developed, became conscious. God came briefly amongst us to show us a path to the light. Centuries past hillwalkers stopped by me to take in the view and marvel at the beauty and contemplate the universe. A sculptor put a couple of eyes on me. I look out! Time ticked. BOSH! suddenly the world was filled with light and realisation. In this new world matter didn’t matter. Time was timeless, stretching infinitely back and infinitely forward. We were all connected. We shone for each other. We shone with each other. We all shine together; we are all part of the light... I see! Glenkens Gazette page 11 Milton Park Mystery Solved Last issue included a request from Alan Robertson from North Vancouver as to whether Gazette readers could help him solve a mystery that had been puzzling him for over 50 years... Alan had stayed with his parents in the Milton Park Hotel in the 1960s and heard a story about three maids dying at the hotel. Over the years, he had wondered what happened to those girls, until he finally contacted the Gazette last issue to ask whether any readers may know the answer. We had a good response to the piece, and a number of local folk got in touch to give the Gazette the facts. Below is an account of the sad incident that lead to the deaths of three local girls. The girls who died were called Adeline Hunter, Linda Carruthers and Cathy Johnstone. They would all have been school-leaving age (around 15) and were staying in the staff quarters of the Milton Park Hotel. Their room was upstairs, Class photo submitted by Hilda McAdam: Cathy Johnstone is in the middle row, fourth in from the right in a white blouse. Linda Carruthers is one of the two girls in front of Cathy, not in a row, and she is the one on the left. Adeline Hunter is in the front row, third from the right. above the boiler room. The heating system was faulty, leading to a leak of carbon monoxide gas. The gas made its way up from the boiler room into the girls bedroom, causing their tragic and untimely deaths. Many thanks to Hilda McAdam Joyce Thacker, Jean Galloway and Gordon McQueen for getting in touch with details of the incident. OLD SMIDDY PROJECT GETS GOING Continued from front page... The Old Smiddy will be one of the early beneficiaries in the Galloway Glens Scheme suite of projects and GCAT are really looking forward to working with other Galloway Glens Scheme participants. Alan Smith, Chairman of GCAT, said: “This development will be a great addition to what we are already doing at the CatStrand and to our other projects such as Bright Stars Glenkens Community Nursery, Glenkens Transport Initiative, Glenkens Gazette and the Men’s Shed. Whilst the new building will have a major impact on Balmaclellan village centre the aim is to provide an asset which will benefit a much wider audience of locals and visitors.” McNabb Laurie, Galloway Glens Team Leader, said: “The Galloway Glens Scheme has secured more than £2.7million from the Heritage Lottery Fund to support projects that ‘connect people to their heritage’ and this ambitious proposal ticks all boxes from our point of view. The CatStrand has been such a successful venue over the last ten years and this Old Smiddy Project will massively increase the facilities available to the people of Dumfries & Galloway, and visitors to the region. We will be working with GCAT in the construction phase to highlight traditional Galloway building methods and explore training opportunities. When the building is complete, it will be ideal to host a range of other projects we will be undertaking over the next five years. “The Galloway Glens Scheme derived from efforts by the Council’s Economic Development department, as well as a range of partners, and it is clear this building will be a great economic boost for the Stewartry and beyond. Our partnership board were delighted to be able to support this project and it is great news that it is now fully funded and able to get underway.” Ed Forrest, Coordinator for Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere and member of the Galloway Glens Partnership Board, welcomed the news that GCAT have now secured full funding for the Old Smiddy saying: “GCAT and its approach to developing dynamic communitybased initiatives embodies the whole ethos of UNESCO Biospheres. They are the envy of many of our international Biosphere visitors who come to see examples of best practice that they can then aspire to emulate back in their own countries. The Old Smiddy promises to be yet another example to add to that growing portfolio of excellence.” Glenkens Gazette page 12 BUSINESS IN THE SPOTLIGHT This section showcases a different local business each issue, giving readers a taste of the diverse and flourishing entrepeneurial world of the Glenkens. If you would like to feature your business, please email an article of up to 500 words with a photograph to glenkensgazette@ hotmail.co.uk In the late nineteen seventies, after several visits, my wife and I vowed to someday make our home in the Glenkens. It took us another thirty years to get here but, in 2005, we finally made it. We spent twelve blissful years in this most beautiful part of the world, which sadly came to an end when my wife died in early 2017. After spending many months staring at four walls, I decided I had to do something - but what? Coincidently, my central heating system was on its last legs. Having spent some time working in the central heating industry in the 1990s, I had a good knowledge of the marketplace. I spent some considerable time investigating what had changed over the last twenty years. I found that, apart from some efficiency improvements to boilers, almost everything was as I remembered. Precise Heating Solutions There was one very notable exception to this. A few years ago, while on a trip down south, I saw a range of thermodynamic, electric radiators, so advanced, and of such a high build quality, that they left a lasting impression on me. They were manufactured by Intelliheat. I checked the company’s website to discover that they have continued with their cutting edge, eco-design, technological advancements. On the way, they have picked up numerous awards and accredidations, including the NF+++, Europe’s highest efficiency and quality accreditation, the only heating company to achieve this. I was convinced that Intelliheat was the company to entrust with my heating requirements. It also occurred to me, that if they were right for me, then they would surely be right for many people in the Glenkens. I contacted Intelliheat and had what was to be the first of many discussions and meetings. My initial idea of being able to supply their products locally blossomed into an exclusive contract covering all of Scotland! In July, the Intelliheat Cali Sense Eco system was installed at my home. Now that the temperatures are falling, the system is proving to be simply incredible. Every room is its own ‘zone’, so I can program each room individually. They even know if you are in or out, and adjust accordingly! This has a huge effect on running costs, which are proving to be even less than I had anticipated. Theoretically, electricity should be the best form of heating as it is pure energy at the point of supply, and therefore 100% efficient. The problem has been in what we connected to it, eg boxes of bricks, etc, all of which competed for the total inefficiency award. Intelliheat have spent many years researching, developing and improving their products. Intelliheat were the first electric heating suppliers to offer Wi-Fi connectivity. Indeed, the An example of an latest Cali Intelliheat radiator in Ian I-Sense Lundy’s home, Dalry. not only has builtin Wi-Fi in every unit, but will also scan your whole system and send energy saving recommendations to your phone or laptop. So - no maintenance, no pipes, no pumps, no bricks, no disruption, with standard installation taking less than a day, and all at less cost than a normal wet system - this is surely the future of heating. Precise Heating Solutions Ltd are the exclusive suppliers of the Intelliheat range in Scotland, and have the full product and technical support of Intelliheat Ltd. If you would like to know more about what the systems do, and how they do it, please give us a call on 07383 017 959, or visit www.precisehs.co.uk We would be delighted to have a chat or answer any questions you may have. Ian Lundy, Dalry for Dalry residents to discuss and prioritise the ideas that came out of the survey. It was interesting to note that most of the ideas were ones that would work for the whole of the Glenkens, reinforcing the view that the Glenkens communities are best working together. The Glenkens District Trust (GDT) commissioned the survey and after the workshop many questions and concerns about the GDT were raised with Alan Rumble, the Acting Chair. The atmosphere became heated and Nicolette Wise, Dalry Community Council Chair, ruled that as this was not a constituted Community Council meeting, with no agenda or minute taker, it was not therefore the right time for such discussions. However, she asked Alan Rumble to take back to the GDT board the growing frustration felt by many people over the apparent lack of transparency and communication surrounding the GDT. Glenkens Community Survey A consultation on last year’s Glenkens Community Survey was held in Dalry Town Hall, ably facilitated by Karen Lewis and her team from The Hub in Dumfries. The survey results for Dalry were presented followed by a workshop Glenkens Gazette page 13 Getting Active and Giving it a Go... It’s been a fantastic summer full of activities in and around New Galloway. Stewartry Active Sports kindly loaned the community a set of goal posts and nets, and so games of football and penalty shoot-outs have been enjoyed by both the young and not so young. It was suggested that a regular time was set, so that those wishing to have a game of football could pop along to the park and know that someone would be there to join them. As a result, Wednesday evening Community Football and Fun in the park sessions from 7-9pm started, and what a success it has been! In fact, so much so, we don’t want to lose it as the nights draw in, and so from November we are moving the session to a Sunday at 2.30pm. Everyone from the Glenkens is welcome and information will be posted on the ‘Community Engagement Activities New Galloway and Kells’ Facebook page. As well as football, our Ladies Give it a Go! sessions have been a fantastic opportunity to get together and try something new. Once a month, different people each time, have been meeting up at the Galloway Activity Some local ladies enjoying paddleboarding at one of the Ladies Centre to try Give it a Go! sessions at the Galloway Activity Centre. activities such as kayaking, 7.30pm to share ideas and plan a paddleboarding and archery. programme. It was enjoyed so much, the All ladies 16 years and over from ladies involved have suggested that the Glenkens are welcome to join we get together to plan regular, us. free or low-cost activities for ladies For further information contact of all ages to enjoy together. Sam Rushton on samCEW@newg Therefore, we are holding a ‘Bring allowaycommunity.shop or 07741 a Plate’ supper at New Galloway 656 601. Town Hall on Friday 2 November at Glenkens Gazette page 14 JOINT OIL PURCHASING GROUP As autumn sets in and the winter months approach, we begin to think about keeping warm, switching on our heating and lighting our fires. At the beginning of this year many people within the community expressed an interest in finding out more about a proposed joint oil purchasing group within the community. Saving money and doing our bit for the environment. Well good news, it’s happening! This project will be co-ordinated by the New Galloway Community Engagement Worker (CEW), Sam Rushton, and is a New Galloway Community Enterprises initiative. After talking to other communities who successfully co-ordinate group oil purchasing, we are adopting the model that oil orders will be collated monthly and submitted to the oil company by the CEW. Order requests can be placed via telephone, email or through New Galloway community shop. Each customer will be billed and pay for their oil directly to the oil company. The greater the collated order, the bigger discount we will receive per litre from the oil company. As well as saving money, we are doing our bit for the environment by reducing the number of tankers coming into our community. If you are interested in signing up for group purchasing or would like more information please contact Sam Rushton on samCEW@newgall owaycommunity.shop or 07741 656 601 or pop into the New Galloway Community Shop. Sam Rushton, Community Engagement Worker, New Galloway Are You Prepared For Winter? With autumn already here and winter just around the corner, some of the media are making ‘shock’ claims of an early October freeze and the World Meteorological Organisation is predicting a 70% chance of another El Niño event before the end of this year. Whatever the reality, it is up to us to be ready to deal with what comes, whether as individuals or as communities. Everything will be fine, right up until the point that it isn’t! Dumfries and Galloway Council resilience staff have said that in a national or regional emergency we in the Glenkens would be on our own initially as the focus of their relief efforts would be on the bigger towns. The electricity goes off, the roads are impassable (snow, flooding, fallen trees, take your pick) what are you going to do? Can you still keep warm (fire, bottled gas heater), what are you going to cook and eat, how many days supply of food and medicines do you keep? Most of us will probably cope (grumpily) for a day or two, though it would be much harder for the elderly or infirm. How about a week with no power, no heating, no shopping, no telephone or internet, maybe even no water (private supplies often rely on electric pumps)? Could you manage? Do you have local family or friends with resources you could stay with? Community Councils also have a part to play in helping their residents through extreme weather. They have been encouraged and supported by Dumfries and Galloway Council to have pavement gritters, shovels, torches and other emergency equipment, but they also need volunteers to help them deliver, particularly to the vulnerable. Why not contact your local Community Council and ask about their Winter Resilience plans and if they need any assistance? It may only be autumn, but this is the time to check your supplies and stock up on what you may need in an emergency whilst you can. Hopefully disaster won’t strike this winter, but if it does, a little preparation now could save bigger problems later. WINTER RESILIENCE CHECKLIST Heat and Light: Do you have a means to keep warm that is not dependant on electricity? eg a fire or bottled gas heater. Do you have an alternative source of light for when it gets dark? eg torches, lanterns, candles. Food and Water: Do you have one weeks supply of food for everyone in your household? (That is not dependant on refrigeration or freezing for storage) eg tinned, dried and ‘long life’ food (including eggs, biscuits, chocolate). Do you have a means to cook the above food (if required) without electricity? eg on the fire, camping gas stove or spirit burner. Do you have an alternative source of drinking water if your normal supply stops? eg bottled water, nearby river/spring, rain water collector and water filters. Health Care: Do you keep at least one weeks supply of medicines on hand? Do you require regular/daily assistance for a medical condition? If your carer cannot get through, can a nearby friend or neighbour help? Communication and Transport: Do you have a landline telephone with a nonwireless hand set? (Wireless handsets require electricity to work). If not, do you have a nearby friend or neighbour with one? If you live in a remote location, are you able to get into your nearest village for supplies, help or the doctors? Glenkens Gazette page 15 Glenkens Wood Fuel Buying Club Are you interested in becoming part of a Glenkens Wood Fuel Buying Club? What is it? It is a group of individuals who use wood fuels like wood chip, briquettes, wood boiler pellets and kiln dried logs. Together they bulk purchase these items (usually by the pallet load) to get a better rate and share the savings. (There is a local Wood Fuel Cooperative in Dumfries that can deliver). The problem for some wood fuel users is storing a big purchase, but in Dalry we now have a large shed the Club could use for this purpose. Bulk buying would mean you only pay around 60% of the individual pack price, eg £3 instead of £5. Over a winter that could save you £100+! If you’re interested, get in touch with Andi Holmes on 07729 292126 or andiholmes@hotmail.com Compressed sawdust briquettes. Dalry Film Club Bags Some Help Dalry Film Club has been successful in obtaining financial support through the Bags of Help scheme run through the Castle Douglas Tesco store. Chair of the Club, Jim Reid, said: “The support has allowed us to purchase new loudspeakers for the front of the hall to improve sound quality and also to complete our blackout system with further blinds. The blackouts will allow us to extend our season from the start of September into early June without a problem with ambient light. “We are also grateful for support from the the CatStrand who are helping us with licensing, with publicity through their brochure and with ticket sales. Our patrons can now obtain tickets for our shows through the CatStrand website and ticket desk as well as at the door.” The autumn season opened in September with the brilliant Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri GLENKENS ROUTE Thursdays: 12noon-1pm – Crossmichael 1-2pm – Parton/Loch Ken Holiday Park 2-4pm – Balmaclellan area 4-5.30pm – The Hidden Road Fridays: 8-10.30am – Dalry 10.30-11am – Glenlee Area 11am – New Galloway 12noon – New Galloway Shop 2pm – Mossdale area 3-4pm – Laurieston to Gatehouse Please note that all times are approximate. 07966 103 912 charliecoid@hotmail.com Fleet Fish aims to provide top quality produce which is sourced as locally as possible. We take pride in offering friendly door-to-door service tailored to our customers’ needs. and continues with Their Finest on 10 October, The Shape of Water on 27 October, Some Like it Hot on 14 November (this is a fundraising show with a performance from the CatStrand Ukulele Band), The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society on 28 November, Hugo on 14 December and Lost In Paris on 28 December. Meanwhile, the committee is working towards an exciting spring season. The Club is also available for celebration shows such as birthday or wedding anniversary shows - get in touch on jamescreid@hotmail.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 16 Glenkens Cluster Staff Shuffle There have been some changes to staffing over the summer in the Glenkens Primary schools. In larger primary schools there are many opportunities for professional development and teachers can change stage and year group in order to learn and enhance their skills. In small schools this is severely restricted. However, having a partnership of schools can provide opportunities for a change. Two of our Principal teachers, Mrs Muir and Mrs Turner, have taken this opportunity to develop their careers and have essentially swapped bases. Mrs Muir is now based in Dalry and Mrs Turner has moved over to Kells, in New Galloway. Mrs Devlin and Mrs Haynes have also taken advantage of a change to enhance their skills as teachers. Mrs Devlin has moved to Nursery and Mrs Haynes is focussing on Art and Music across the partnership. Cluster Head, Paul Scrimshaw, said: “Children benefit greatly when teachers are afforded the opportunity to develop their skills. Teachers become revitalised, as do we all, when undertaking new opportunities. This transfers to their daily teaching and learning. Also, children in our small schools can have the same teacher for a number of years. Different teachers have different interests, qualities and skills. It is important for children to have a range of experiences with teachers, teaching styles and interests. I am sure most people will have one stand out teacher who was an inspiration. Their personal interests and enthusiasms can influence children in many ways. My own interest in art was sparked by a primary teacher when I reached my last year of junior school. His enthusiasm for drawing and painting was infectious.” We also have some new teachers in the partnership. Mrs Houston, Miss Sey and Mrs Welsh have joined us this session. In order to get to know our Glenkens teachers a little better each teacher (except two who are off on sick leave) were asked three questions - 1) Where were you and what did you teach before you came to the Glenkens Partnership; 2) What is your favourite hobby/ pastime; 3) What did you like best about school when you were a child. Here are their responses. Miss Sey (P6/7 teacher, Dalry): 1) I was in Aberdeen working as a nursery practitioner and studying primary teaching at University. 2) My favourite hobbies are going for walks and cooking. I am finding lots of new walks in Dumfries and Galloway, and entertaining friends and family at weekends. 3) My favourite part of primary school was being creative with the art materials in golden time. Mrs Houston (P4/5 teacher, Dalry): 1) I previously taught Primary 1/2 at Hardgate Primary school. 2) I enjoy spending time with my daughter. I also enjoy playing/ watching football. 3) As a child I enjoyed learning about geography, in particular the environmental aspects. I loved taking part in sports activities too. did a degree in palaeoanthropology, and I worked as an archaeologist for some time. I was also very good at sport at school and enjoyed both athletics and gymnastics. Mrs Turner (P1/2/3/4 teacher, Kells): 1) I taught at Dalry Primary for five years, and before that I worked at Twynholm and Kirkcudbright Primaries. 2) Out of school, I enjoy reading and cooking, and eating out with friends. One of the main reasons my husband and I moved to Dumfries and Galloway was because of the beautiful countryside, and we enjoy exploring both the local area and further afield in our camper van with our black Labrador, Hetty. 3) When I was at school the subjects I enjoyed most were French and drama. On reflection, I don’t think I was particularly talented in either but the positivity and enthusiasm of my teachers meant that I participated with passion and this is something I try to emulate in my own teaching. In later years I became interested in social history and as a result decided to undertake a degree in history at Leeds University. Mr Thompson (P5/6/7, Kells): 1) I have travelled and taught in diverse schools (primary and secondary), universities, orphanages and kindergartens. Including a range of both mainstream and special educational settings. Travelling and working from Zimbabwe to Spain via Poland, China and Honduras... then from Cambridge to Kells. 2) Adventuring and wandering with my two best friends; Laura and Bamba. Eating sandwiches and looking through binoculars (not at the same time). 3) When we were given freedom and treated with respect - these moments are great memories. Mr Haynes (Music & Art teacher accross the Cluster): 1) After having my two boys, I taught the P4/5 class at Penpont, and then came to the Glenkens Cluster where I taught in the Nursery before changing to my current role. 2) I enjoy music and playing/singing with the family. My husband and my two boys play guitar and drums. I also enjoy baking and cake decorating and cross stitch embroidery. 3) When I was a girl at school, I loved music and played flute, recorder or piano at assemblies and sang in the choir. I also enjoyed acting and creative writing. It is important for children to have a range of experiences with teachers, teaching styles and interests. Mrs Welsh (P4/5 teacher, Dalry): 1) I taught P6/7 at Lochside Primary School before coming to work in the Glenkens. 2) My favourite hobby is music. I enjoy playing the piano and saxophone. 3) I liked progressing my learning through trips the best when I was a child. Mrs Muir (P1/2/3 teacher, Dalry): 1) I taught at Kells Primary for the past 10 years. Previous to that I taught in Stranraer, and I have also taught in the Highlands and in Australia. 2) I have two hobbies that take up most of my time out of school. The first is music. I play classical guitar, violin, all sizes of recorders, flute, piano and am currently learning how to play the alto saxophone. My second passion is dance. My husband and myself go to dance class up to three times a week, dancing ballroom, Latin and salsa. 3) When I was at school the subject I most liked was history. At university Left to right: New teachers Miss Sey, Mrs Houston and Mrs Welsh. Glenkens Gazette page 17 ALL NEW GLENKENS NURSERY A new term brings a fresh start in Dalry ELC (formerly Dalry Nursery) with a change in nursery teacher and the development of two brand new learning environments. Jenna Devlin, the new nursery teacher (previously Dalry's P4/5 class teacher), is a passionate believer and advocate of outdoor and open-ended play. Over the summer, alongside co-worker Julie Moore and a whole host of amazing volunteers, she has transformed both the indoor and outdoor learning spaces. A natural, calming indoor space invites the children to explore, create and inquire, supported through carefully chosen resources. You will not find many traditional 'toys', however, as the children are encouraged to use their own imaginations to create their play. There has also been a'cull' of plastic toys, with the ELC instead offering real-life objects such as bone china cups, items made from natural materials and, a firm favourite so far...lots and lots of coloured pebbles, beads and buttons. With these openended resources, the possibilities for children are expanded. Outdoors, the space which was previously part of the primary school playground is now an exciting shared space where both primary and the ELC children can play. The children are immersed in an environment where they can build, using items such as wood, hammers, nails and screws. They can climb and jump and guddle in as much mud, sand and water as their hearts desire. Jenna said: "We want our children to become resilient, caring and confident individuals. Our outdoor area is designed with risky play in mind, where children are encouraged and supported to assess their own and other's safety, thinking carefully about the impact of their actions on the environment and people around them." So far the ELC have found the children to be really thriving, engaged and immersed in a whole range of learning opportunities, and have received lots of positive feedback from parents and carers. Jenna continues: "Our goal is to create as rich a learning environment as possible, and to think outside the box in terms of resources, materials and play opportunities. When observing the children play each day, at any given moment, the smiles and engagement are obvious - so far we must be getting something right!" As with all new projects, however, it is always evolving, and Jenna is keen to work closely with the new P1-3 teacher over the forthcoming year to really embed play in the Early Years learning experiences. At present there is a morning once a week when the P1s come and play with the ELC children in their outdoor area. "This is a really wonderful experience for both the nursery-age children and the P1s; straight away you see the younger children using the materials and resources differently, watching the ‘big ones’. The older children bring different skills, ideas and interests, it's really magical to see them play so effectively together," says Jenna. Mrs Devlin also has plans to use the wooded area at the far end of the playground once a week to develop a 'forest schools' approach, where the children will build fires, dens and investigate another 'wilder' environment. Jenna concludes by saying: "In Dalry ELC our motto is ‘Learning and Growing Together’. This illustrates close partnership working with families, and growing resilient, caring, happy and confident young people together. This is what we're all about - it really is the best job in the world!" Dalry ELC would like to give special thanks to the Glenkens Charity Shop, Mr & Mrs Firth, Mrs & Mrs Elder, Mrs Davies, Angela Orro, Andy Holmes, Tony, Fergus, Jayde, William, Miriam and Chrissy for their help, effort and kindly donated resources. It is hugely appreciated by everyone at Dalry ELC and Primary. Top: Jenna and Julie. Above: Happy children playing at Dalry ELC. Glenkens Gazette page 18 NEW TEACHERS JOIN DALRY SECONDARY SCHOOL Pupils and staff of Dalry Secondary School have returned refreshed and ready to benefit from the opportunities of the new school year. For staff this comes with a sense of pride and achievement on behalf of our previous S4 pupils who performed very well, and were rewarded with good results in their SQA examinations. We are delighted to welcome new staff in some departments: Mr Fleming in PE who is busy extending the curricular experiences able to be offered and will make available extra-curricular ones too in the near future; Miss Crossan and Mrs Porteous who are offering a range of courses across home economics and hospitality, with Miss Crossan leading a group of enthusiastic students aiming to excel in the upcoming Future Chef competition, and we look forward to Mrs Stockwell joining us soon in the English department. Our thanks go to Mrs Nurse for agreeing to continue for a period to ensure pupils have continuity. New teachers were asked for a few words of introduction - here is a ‘hello’ from Mr Fleming: Hi! My name is Mr Fleming and I am the new Physical Education teacher at Dalry Secondary. I would like to thank everyone - pupils, parents and staff - for their kind welcome, and I’m looking forward to a happy and active future at the school :) funds to help continue to support the armed forces community in Scotland today. Poppy Scotland has asked organisations around Scotland to each try to raise £1,918 to help improve the lives of ex-servicemen. The young people of Dalry Secondary have already raised several hundred pounds through themed fund-raising activities. Watch out for the following events, and let’s see if we can reach the grand total of £1,918: ● Thursday 11 October – Coffee Morning in Dalry School, 10am12noon; come along for a selection of delicious baking, teas and coffees, as well as bric-a-brac, toys and a chance to win prizes. Any contributions of cakes, traybakes, bric-a-brac and raffle prizes would be greatly appreciated, and can be handed into the school. ● Wednesday 7 November; Dalry Secondary School presents Archie Dobson’s War, a BBC play set in 1914 featuring drama, music and dance. During the interval refreshments will be served. All proceeds from the evening will go towards the Poppy Pledge. Closer to Christmas, keep your eyes peeled for details of our popular lunchtime Pop-up Café, which will again be open to the community, with proceeds going to Poppy Scotland. Pupils' Poppy Pledge Dalry Secondary School have signed up to Poppy Scotland’s 1918 Poppy Pledge to commemorate the centenary of the armistice and the end of World War One. The 1918 Poppy Pledge aims to raise money for honouring the many men and women who fought in the First World War and in the many conflicts since. The Poppy Pledge will also raise vital New PE teacher, Mr Fleming. S3 PUPILS GIVE GOLF A GO Pupil Report - Golf at Dalry Secondary As part of our S3 sport and fitness preference, we are having an 8-week trial golf session at New Galloway golf club. The professional golf coach is called Ross Murdoch from Dumfries driving range. So far he has taught us how to putt, chip and pitch the ball. He has also taught us all the parts of the golf club, how to properly grip the different golf clubs, and Ross also taught us a basic posture drill. Ross has been building up how far we can hit the golf ball, up to 100 yards. Pupils learn new skills at New Galloway Golf course with professional golf coach, Ross Murdoch. Glenkens Gazette page 19 CatStrand Youth Booth Launch CatStrand Youth Volunteers were proud to unveil their Youth Booth to the public in a culmination of six months of work by the team of 12 to 16 year-olds. After successfully applying for funding through the D&G Council Year of Young People Youth Choices funding programme, the youth volunteer team started working with local glass artist Lorrie Kyle to transform the disused phone box in New Galloway into an art installation and youth information centre. The group cleaned the phone box, painted an undercoat and gave it two coats of their chosen dark blue top coat paint, inspired by Doctor Who, over several evenings over the summer where they were seen clad in forensic suits, gloves and masks. The panels were created over the course of design workshops at the CatStrand and sessions at Lorrie Kyle’s glass studio outside Dumfries, where the designs were turned into fused glass panels. The Booth contains information posters and leaflets on youth issues from mental health to LGBT support, online safety to youth funding opportunities, as well as a local bus timetable and posters for local events and activities which will be regularly updated. A light box, gumball machine, phone charging unit and light-up mirror are also in the process of being installed as Proud CatStrand Youth Voluneers standing part of their design. outside the Youth Booth. At the unveiling, CatStrand youth board member and who had seen the youth booth youth volunteer Aiden Taylor, 16, progressing or been involved in the gave a speech, which was followed design and making of the glass. by a launch event at the CatStrand Youth volunteer Kaelan Johnston, where the volunteers served 13, said: “It was fun designing the mocktails and laid on a buffet. In glass and seeing how it turned out, attendance were Council youth and it was really fun to help organise services representatives for the the project which I feel it will be a Stewartry, youth programmers from good help to young people in the Young Promoters Group (YPG) in community.” Dumfries, members of DumfriesThe Booth will continue to develop, based creative collective The Stove, and it is hoped the project can GCAT board chairperson Alan Smith, continue to expand and will be deputy head teacher for Dalry there for years to come as a centreSecondary School Lorraine Gillies, piece for the great contribution and a wide variety of community young people are making to their members both young and old community. 'GET ON IT' YOUTH TRANSPORT FORUM Young people in the Glenkens have called for the Council and local transport providers to ‘get on it’ when it comes to their transport needs. CatStrand Youth, under the Glenkens, Community & Arts Trust (GCAT), has secured an award from the Year of Young People National Lottery Fund towards a transport forum project. The project will run in partnership with Kirkcudbright Youth Project, D&G Youth Services and Aberdeenshire’s Work With Young People project as a follow-up to their recent youth consultation which surveyed young people across the Glenkens aged 12-25 about their needs living in this area. In the consultation, 55% of young people asked said transport links were an issue and respondents voted it as their top priority for change to enable them to lead successful lives in the area. It was voted as the major issue preventing access to and participation in social activity, limiting job opportunities and contributing to feelings of isolation and loneliness amongst young people. Starting in September 2018, recruitment for Youth Transport Forum groups in the Glenkens, Castle Douglas and Kirkcudbright will take place through schools and youth service partners. These young people will then be given the opportunity to look at transport in their area of the Stewartry in-depth before putting forward two young people from each group to form a cross-Stewartry forum. This forum will travel to Aberdeenshire to meet other young people working with their councils on local transport initiatives, before designing a pilot scheme based on their findings. Schemes could incorporate new bus routes, Uberstyle taxi services, bike hire or any other models they think could work for young people in the area. Pilots will be tendered out to local providers and trialled and monitored over 10 weeks next year. Advocacy and presentation skills training will be delivered to the young people participating in the project by the organisation Sleeping Giants, and Dumfries & Galloway Youth Services, to enable them to best Some of the CatStrand Youth members who spearheaded the Youth Transport Forum initiative. present their findings to a range of stakeholders. The end result is hoped to be an evidenced report on a service that would make a difference to local young people, which will be presented by young people to the Council and service providers locally to seek continuation of the service or a service which incorporates learning from the year-long project. Any young people aged 12-25 interested in participating in the Glenkens, Kirkcudbright or Castle Douglas forums can get in touch with aidan@catstrand.com for info on how to get involved. Glenkens Gazette page 20 Volunteer Barbecue with Flames Connecting in Communities (CiC) is a project aimed at improving the lives of those living and working in the Glenkens. Volunteers form a huge part of the CiC programme, especially here at the CatStrand where CiC is based. In order to show our gratitude, a ‘thank you’ barbecue was hosted at the CatStrand. Very many thanks to all our volunteers - we hope you enjoyed the night; your efforts really are appreciated. The night also included the Flames, a Tricky Hat Theatre Company performance utilising local, untapped talent. The show featured music, singing and some thoughtprovoking memories in a unique audio-visual display. Balmaclellan is currently featuring heavily in the CiC calendar; keepfit fans are delighted with the new kettlebell sessions, every Thursday night from 7.30-8.30pm in the village hall. The Men’s Shed is booming and the Smiddy Project is officially off the ground (see front page). The line-up for this year’s Rocktober has been confirmed; as well as the rock disco, music quiz, bar, free buses to and from the event, top local rockers Voodoo Sun will be headlining the show. Expect a heady mix of classic rock and blues, and feel free to dress up for the event - it’s all free, but booking is recommended for the gig and essential if you want a seat on the buses. Watch out for our posters with all the details. Our local MP, Alister Jack, took time out from his busy schedule to visit both the Glenkens Men’s Shed and CiC at CatStrand this summer - for details of his visit see separate articles in this issue. CiC and CatStrand rely heavily on volunteers to support the numerous events and activities that go on - if you have time to spare please get in touch as we’d love to have you on board. To find out more, or get involved, contact Brian or Chris on 01644 420374 or brian@catstrand.com or chris@catstrand.com Chris Jowsey, Volunteer & Participation Officer, CatStrand NEW GALLOWAY MEMORIAL BENCH The New Galloway Celebratory Events Committee (NGCEC) have decided that funds raised at the Picnic in the Park should go towards a memorial bench. The ‘Lest we Forget’ galvanised steel bench will commemorate 100 years since the end of the first world war, in line with events being held later this year, and the bench should be in position for the Remembrance Service on 11 November. It is planned that the bench be sited beside the path leading up to the New Galloway war memorial. NGCEC, a sub-committee of Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING), would like to thank Balmaclellan, Kells and Dalry Churches, St Margaret’s Church, Loreburn Housing Association and the Alternative Games for their generous support for this project. Our next event will be a Scottish-themed concert and Christmas lights switch-on planned for 2 December. Any proceeds from donations will be used for the benefit of the whole community. Glenkens Gazette page 21 Scottish Alternative Games 2018 There was no threat of rain and the sun even shone for a while – was it the right day? Yes it was! The Games had suffered a few wet and windy days in the last few years but this time conditions were perfect for this annual day of unique entertainment. All qualifiers for the Gird ‘n’ Cleek World Championship were in fine form and a great race was had, with the crowd enjoying one of the best finals for many years. The lead changed several times throughout the two laps, but in the end Alexander McKenna prevailed and reclaimed his crown after a nineyear gap. Close behind and claiming the silver medal was Arthur Harfield with Alice McIntosh in the bronze medal position. The Tractor Pull attracted plenty of entrants but the Men’s competition produced a familiar winner with Ralph Spernagel, and Alexander McKenna had enough energy left from his ongoing Gird ‘n’ Cleek efforts to secure the silver medal. The Ladies event was a bit of a family affair with Cairan Murdoch once again taking gold, with her sister Tracey Nicholson as runner-up. The Quad Bike Pull for the juniors attracted the biggest queue of the day in the arena as the youngsters showed off their strength! Some impressive times were recorded here Spectators enjoying this year’s Games in the sunshine. too with once again the Murdoch family the usual bribery of Guinness and emerging victorious with Holly lettuce leaves. Murdoch taking gold, Yvie Murdoch The Alternative Games, now in its silver and their cousin Carla fifth decade, has certainly stood the Nicholson winning bronze. test of time as the quirky events The Snail Racing attracted big and unique atmosphere continue to crowds as the punters rolled up encourage many families to return to support each of the three races year after year from all over Britain during the afternoon which were to enjoy the day with the locals. kindly sponsored by Forrest Estate, Many first time visitors this year Natural Power and WH McWilliam have vowed to return again too Ltd. The specially trained racing put the 4th of August 2019 in your snails were in fine form and were diary now! Brian Edgar encouraged to the finishing line with GLENKENS MEN'S SHED NEWS It’s all systems go up at the Glenkens Men’s Shed... The new tearoom nears completion, electrical improvements are underway, the mezzanine floor is in use, the new double glazed window looks great and we have a brilliant new sign. All thanks to Tesco’s Bags of Help scheme; a heartfelt thankyou to everyone who voted for us in the Castle Douglas store, where we won the June competition, receiving £4000. We would also like to thank Angela Orro, Tesco’s Community Champion for the Bags of Help; Jim Clubb for the new sign, made from recycled metal and tools from the shed; John, Gill and Michelle for refurbishing the doors; local builder Raymond Wilkie, for the expertise in fitting the new window; and to all the Shedders for their help in building the new tea room, especially Stuart, Martin, Tam and Ali - cheers everybody! There’s loads more going on too - we’re hosting the Men’s Shed Electronics Team from Hamilton soon, so look out for bangs and flashes as the boys and girls build electronic gadgets from scratch. On a different note, hopefully there’ll be no bangs or flashes whilst local electrician Derek McCrone upgrades the shed wiring, a pre-curser to getting our metal working facility up and running... Men’s Shed work will be for Left to right: Alan Smith (GCAT Chair), Martin sale at the CatStrand on their and Gill Warnock (Shedders), Chris Jowsey Christmas Shopping day (Volunteer Participation Officer), Tom Leach (Shed Chairman) and Alister Jack (MP). see ad on p3. The shed, located behind the Old Smiddy in Glenkens Men’s Shed is supported Balmaclellan, is a great place to by Connecting in Communities, a relax, unwind, do stuff, learn new LEADER and Big Lottery funded skills or just drink coffee and chat. project. If you want to join the shed, Some members are dab hands at or find out more, either call in at the baking too, so there’s often cake to shed or contact Brian/Chris on 420 be had! 374 or Tom on 420 895. Local MP Alister Jack visited this Normal Shed opening times are: summer and was impressed by the Monday 9.30am-4pm & 6.30range of activities available to our 8.30pm, Wed 9.30am-1pm & members and the valuable service woodcarving from 2-4pm, and Fri the shed provides to our community. 9.30am-12noon. Our AGM is coming up on 6 Chris Jowsey, November, 10am at the CatStrand. Glenkens Men’s Shed Treasurer Glenkens Gazette page 22 GLENKENS WITHOUT PYLONS? Kendoon to Tongland 132kV Reinforcement (KTR) Project A great deal of progress has been made in the past couple of months in our efforts to persuade Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) and the Scottish Government to underground the entire project to protect the Galloway environment. Galloway Without Pylons now has a website - www.gallowaywithoutpylons.o rg - to which content is being added on a daily basis as information comes to light and support is gathered. I will outline the latest position with the Project, and in order to be 100% accurate have included verbatim part of an email received from SPEN on 6 August: “In regards to the cable studies, as intimated previously, we will be working on this assessment over the coming months (likely into early 2019). As you will note, the requirements of the scoping only require SPEN to consider undergrounding at the ‘pinch points’ identified on the proposed OHL routes. However, following consideration of the third round consultation feedback, including that received from yourself, SPEN have also committed to consider potential cable options for a continuous cable route between Glenlee and Tongland based on a ‘blank sheet’ approach. “Going forward, the next opportunity for stakeholders and communities to get involved in the project will be at the application stage. The key thing to note about this consultation is that, unlike the last three rounds of consultation undertaken on KTR, this is a formal process and will be undertaken by the Scottish Ministers. Therefore all comments and views (informed by the EIAR, undergrounding report, etc) The photograph (by Stuart Littlewood) shows Stroan will be made direct to the Loch. The pylons would run to the east of the loch Scottish Ministers, not SPEN.” with the closest pylon less than 250m away. It is therefore imperative that those in the responsible for administering a £500m community who want the KTR fund for GB electricity transmission Project underground become active owners to mitigate the impact of now so that we can launch an existing electricity infrastructure on the effective campaign. visual amenity of nationally designated Two relevant pieces of information landscapes. The primary objective have come to light: Firstly, that SPEN of VISTA (Visual Impact of Scottish have targeted Dumfries & Galloway for Transmission Assets) is to use the a revolutionary, wide scale ‘integrated Ofgem funding to deliver the maximum network management zone’ across the benefit for nationally designated area, which involves increasing the landscapes in the north of Scotland. distribution of electricity from 90MW So, in the north of Scotland, some to 290MW. I have asked SPEN if the pylons will be removed and the line extra 200MW is coming from wind under-grounded to avoid unwanted turbines already built, but to date I economic and environmental haven’t received an answer. I believe impacts. Ofgem recognise the fact this policy has huge implications for the that undergrounding both desirable whole of D&G, and that everyone who and practical, so why not protect lives, works and invests here should Galloway now and put the KTR Project understand what is happening. This underground from the start. strategy has not been shared by SPEN To join Galloway Without Pylons at either public or private meetings that (charitable status applied for), please I have attended, and one has to wonder email info@gallowaywithoutpylons.org why. Secondly, that the electricity or call Paul Swift on 01644 450 352 and gas markets regulator (Ofgem) is membership is free. Paul Swift Galloway Glens Exploring New Galloway The work on the Golf Course Paths has been completed for the time being with a new boardwalk, better drainage of boggy bits and other areas cleared back. Following surveys of people interested in the Garroch Walled Garden a plan is coming together on how to go ahead with this project. The general consensus is to proceed carefully taking consideration of the peace and quiet of the place and what is already there. Although the overgrown walls looked quaint, we were aware that the climbers could lead to damage so they have been weeded out. The pigs who found the garden a bit hot in the summer are now back rooting around an area which, if there is interest, may become either individual or communal allotments. A steering group is being set up to help guide activities which will include planting up the pergola with new roses and other climbers and daffodils and other spring bulbs between the posts. Enquiries are being made with local producers about the possibility of local production of cider or apple juice. The entrance gate from the car park has been repaired complete with netting to keep the rabbits out. We have acquired the redundant tables from The Smithy and these will be in place soon. Information about the project and current plans has been put up in the bothy by the walled garden. If you missed the beginning set up but would like to be involved please get in touch. New Galloway Town Hall With all this out of door excitement the Town Hall has not been forgotten. During the summer with support from Loreburn, three sessions were run by Let’s Get Sporty with active activities in the Main Hall and board games in the Lesser Hall. Another two sessions will take place during half term. The twice weekly Circuit Training Sessions started earlier in the year continue to be well attended. Table Tennis continued during the summer and Carpet Bowling re-started in September. Following funding from the Glenkens Charity Shop, LING’s New Galloway Story is progressing with its plan of developing a story of its many shops and businesses. With agreement from NEW GALLOWAY PROJECTS UPDATE current owners this could lead to informative window displays of their property’s previous roles. Also liaison with CatStrand Youth is enabling interesting individual stories of the past to be recorded through interviews. We would love to hear from you if you have any memories of your own or of others which could contribute to our knowledge of the past life of New Galloway. Another grant to LING from the Charity Shop will be put towards a commercial dishwasher. A Town Hall car park space has been purchased with grant funding from the D&G Area Committee. With space for two cars, this will particularly benefit those who find difficulty walking up from the main car park. Access the Town Hall Fast Broadband with your own laptop between 11am and 2pm on Tuesdays when the hall is open for Elevenses and LING Lunches. Other times and arrangements are being investigated. Let us know what you need. Ros Hill, Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) Glenkens Gazette page 23 OLDEST FLOWER SHOW IN SCOTLAND This year’s Glenkens Flower and Vegetable Show was a resounding success. Entries numbered over 100, a significant increase on last year’s participants. The Glenkens Horticultural Society was established in 1831 and is the longest-running flower show in Scotland, and perhaps the whole of the UK – research is currently ongoing to find this out. Various entries, prize winners and happy visitors to the Glenkens Horticultural Society Annual Flower & Vegetable Show 2018. First Ever Galloway Gaelic Conference The CatStrand was filled to capacity for Galloway, Gaelic’s Lost Province, the first ever conference on the history of the Gaelic language spoken in Galloway. The event, organised by Professor Ted Cowan and Michael Ansell, attracted leading academics in the field. Evidence of Galloway’s Gaelic-speaking past, its origin and decline, was examined through place names and names of people, and in public, private and religious records. Audience feedback reported a widespread demand for further events on the subject. GLENKENS CHARITY SHOP SECURED Continued from front page... “This is what our team had always hoped to be able to achieve within our small community and it still surprises us every day how successful it has been, not just as a shop but as a meeting place.” This year has been a challenge as the owners of the shop premises, Larry and Moira, decided to sell the shop. Shirley said: “We wish them both well as they move on to new adventures. The future of our enterprise being unknown has been stressful, worrying whether the new buyers would let us continue or if they had they own plans. There were various options being offered, but it is with a massive thank you to the Pamela Young Trust that we are now secure, and can breathe a sigh of relief. The Pamela Young Trust has bought our little shop and will be refurbishing throughout the winter. Sadly, this means that we shall be closed for most of the winter months, but we are planning on having a few ‘sale days’ in Dalry Town Hall and we will keep people informed via notice boards and our Facebook page. “Due to the shop temporarily closing, if you have anything you would like to donate there is no time like the present.” The shop’s grant allocation meeting will take place in November as usual, and application forms will be available to pick up in the shop from 22 October, to be returned by 10 November for consideration at the meeting on 15 November. If anyone would like to find out more, or perhaps voluneer their time in the shop, you can contact the Glenkens Charity Shop via their Facebook page, or call the shop on 07895494746. Glenkens Gazette page 24 Lieutenant Colonel Clark Kennedy Colonel William Hew Clark Kennedy is one of Carsphairn’s most famous sons, certainly from the perspective of the military. Campbell (Deputy Lord Lieutenant), Mr A Hugh Clark Kennedy (complete with Colonel Clark Kennedy’s medals, including VC, proudly worn in remembrance), Colonel Andrew Lussier - Canadian Army (Colonel Clark Kennedy had served with the Canadians), Councillor Dougie Campbell (D&G Council), Mrs Elizabeth Holmes (Carsphairn Community Being an ex-serviceman myself, it Council), Lt Col Alan Murray MBE was an honour to attend the unveiling (Legion Scotland) and Carsphairn of a commemorative paving stone Primary School. at Carsphairn War Memorial. These All due pomp and ceremony was stones are being provided by the included with an excellent piper and UK government to commemorate bugler. Reverend David Bartholomew the awarding of the Victoria Cross did his usual sterling work and (VC) - the nation’s highest award for the Lord Lieutenant, Sir Malcolm bravery - and are being unveiled at Ross and Lady Ross were also in an appropriate place of memorial for attendance in one of Sir Malcolm’s each VC recipient on or around the final engagements before retiring. I centenary of the award. know that I have missed recognising It is worth mentioning here that the Carsphairn War Memorial was unveiled and recording many of the others who attended, for which I apologise. by the same Colonel Clark Kennedy, The unveiling ceremony was followed on land donated by the Clark Kennedy by a well thought out and inclusive family of Knockgray. church service where mention was Wreaths were laid by Mrs Anna made of the origin of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance and its connection to Carsphairn (also via Canada). The great-great grandfather of the author of ‘In Flanders Fields’, one Marmaduke McCrae, is buried in Carsphairn churchyard. What the members of Carsphairn school lacked in numbers, they made up March down the main street in Carsphairn for the VC stone for in confidence unveiling ceremony for Colonel Clark Kennedy. Lieutenant Colonel William Hew Clark Kennedy, VC, CMG, DSO & Bar, ED and enthusiasm as they led the congregation in a rendition of Pack Up Your Troubles and It’s a Long Way to Tipperary. The church service was followed by a reception and buffet at a packed Lagwyne Hall, where VIPs mingled freely and the pupils of Carsphairn School particularly enjoyed speaking to Col Lussier of the Canadian Army and having their photograph taken with him. Readers will have noted that I have made little mention of the brave Colonel Clark Kennedy’s military service or the acts which led to the award of the Victoria Cross or his Distinguished Service Order and bar. I could not do justice to the facts in the space available in this publication but I would urge the reader to look up the facts online using your favourite search engine. Sadly, the Carsphairn Heritage and Craft Centre where Colonel Clark Kennedy is the subject of this year’s exhibition will be closed for the season by the time this issue of the Glenkens Gazette is published. Paul Goodwin CENTENARY OF THE ARMISTICE: COMMEMORATIONS IN THE GLENKENS The Glenkens has four civic war memorials and fifteen other memorials commemorating the dead of the Great War. To mark the centenary of the Armistice, at 2.30pm on Saturday 3 November Paul Goodwin will give an illustrated talk at the CatStrand. Paul is a resident of Dalry and has been identifying, recording and researching the War Memorials of Dumfries and Galloway since 2006 - readers may be familiar with Paul’s series of articles on Great War casualties published in the Glenkens Gazette since 2014. The talk will explain how the memorials came to be created and will recall the stories of some of the men and women whose names appear on them. It complements a CatStrand exhibition on the story of the memorials and the legacy of the Great War which will be on display for the month of November. The display, in words and pictures, will illustrate the raising of the war memorials and contain a tribute to those who died. There will also be contributions from local schools about the coming of the peace. The hope is that those attending Remembrance Services on 11 November will do so with a greater understanding of the memorials and the men, and women, named on them. This event will be of particular interest to relatives of those commemorated on the Glenkens memorials. If you are attending and have a connection with a name on a local memorial please let Paul know in advance if possible at memorials@paulgoodwin.me.uk Glenkens Gazette page 25 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN When Gypsies Were Kings At one time Galloway was known for its population, admittedly quite small, of folk variously known as the Gypsies, the Tinkers, the Travellers, or the Tinkler Gypsies. These ‘Lords of Little Egypt’ are thought to have arrived in Scotland around 1500. One authority on these people was Andrew McCormick, sometime provost of Newton Stewart who interviewed and photographed the travellers in their camps whenever he could, as well as learning their secret cant or language, studying their customs and collecting their stories and folklore. He preserved many Romany superstitions. Galloway tinklers would turn back if they met a ‘gleyeyed’ woman, one with a strabismus. At New Year the most desired ‘first foot’ was a donkey, which failing that a sheep. All believed in witches; many asserted they had heard pipers playing in caves or underground. The tinklers travelled in gangs usually designated by the family name of their leader, a name which all did not necessarily share. There were gangs of Baillies, Millers, Kennedys, MacMillans, Marshalls, Watsons, Wilsons and O’Neills. Some claimed descent from members of the broken clans after Culloden. Most traced their origins to India and Spain. By the time McCormick interviewed them the Romany bloodlines, if they had ever existed, must have been very thin indeed. They often fell foul of the law; women as well as men were accused of theft, vagrancy, riot and murder and were punished by branding on the cheek, whippings and hangings. Otherwise the travellers made cans and knives as well as horned spoons, mended pots and pans, or found casual work. They also were dealers in horses, practising horse whispering and doctoring when required. There is ample evidence that they enjoyed their way of life, difficult though it could be. One man testified that “I canna sleep in a hoose an the door lockit”, but many feared that their way of life was under serious threat, a woman telling the provost that “we that it is now almost impossible to recover the actual individual. The King of the Gypsies of the Western Lowlands and last King of the Picts was allegedly born around 1671 and died at Kirkcudbright in 1792 at the age of 120 years. He claimed to have fought at the Battle of the Boyne. He became King of the Galloway gypsies, having, it was rumoured, murdered his predecessor. He was married seventeen times, fathering four children after he passed the hundredyear mark. He joined the army several times to acquire the bounty and then quit. He was a murderer, a wife beater, a thief and a smuggler though many sang his praises finding him honest, trustworthy and wellintentioned. One farmer who was asked if Marshall and his gang ever stole while working for him, replied “Not they; they were like the craws – they aye gaed awa frae their nests to steal”. John MacTaggart in his Gallovidian Encyclopedia brilliantly captured Billy’s evasive qualities both good and bad. “He was kind, yet he was a murderer - an honest soul, yet a thief - at times a generous savage - at other times a wild pagan. He knew both civil and uncivilized life - the dark and fair side of human nature. In short, he understood much of the world - had no fear - a happy constitution - was seldom sick - could sleep on a moor as soundly as in a feather-bed - took whisky to excess - died in Kirkcudbright at the age of 120 years”. McCormick thought that there was no dwelling in Galloway that did not know the name, Billy Marshall. Though many of his deeds were shameful he, like his people, represented a certain freedom of action that was beyond the reach of most folk. The travellers who existed in the open air in all weathers, sleeping on the ground, living on their wits, in touch with nature, inhabited a lost world increasingly the envy of the average worker. Tradition turned Billy and his people into phantoms that merged the uncertainties, unpredictabilities, quirks, viciousness, tragedies and sheer joy of nature itself. Ted Cowan ... [they] inhabited a lost world increasingly the envy of the average worker. ... Please get in touch for October/November Glenkens dates and locations. get the name o being a bad lot, and God kens we’re far frae gude; but they’re no a tinklers that wield the budget” which was to suggest that there was social and governmental responsibility for their plight. There are at least two versions of the Tinker’s Loup or Linn story, an episode on the Ken at the Earlston estate north of Dalry. A linn is a waterfall or torrent. One concerns a man who jumped for his life, when chased by dragoons, but McCormick collected an alternative verbal account at the ‘exact’ spot on Earlston Linn. According to this version a tinkler had been mending pans at Nether Carminnow. When his dinner was delayed he was so hungry that he seized a pan full of puddings and took off with the cottars in hot pursuit. He ‘lowpit’ the linn, “wi’ the pan o puddins in his teeth, sat doon and ate them, and then threw the pan back to the owner and went his way”. McCormick’s informant pointed out the exact rock on which the fugitive sat! The most famous of the Galloway gypsies was William or Billy Marshall about whom there was so much tradition, story and general confusion Glenkens Gazette page 26 The Great War: Aug-Sept 1918 With the benefit of hindsight, we now know that, one hundred years ago the Great War was approaching its end. Germany was simply running out of men to send to the front as were the allies, including the British Empire, and it was the increasing numbers of Americans being sent to France and Flanders that was tipping the balance in our favour. Gilbert Anderson was a gamekeeper at Milton Park, Dalry, when he enlisted in June 1916 into the Kings Own Scottish Borderers. He was gassed near Arras in August 1917 and evacuated to hospital in Newcastle, eventually returning to France. Gilbert was born at Glenlee, the son of George and Janet (Houston) Anderson. He was the husband of Maggie Jane (Dickson) Anderson of High St, New Galloway, who he married in 1913 and was father to two children. Gilbert was killed in action on 1 August 1918 at the age of 32. He is listed on the Kells parish memorial. William Kerr was born in Sanquhar, Dumfriesshire, the son of Thomas and Agnes (Henderson) Kerr of Holmhead, in the Dalry parish towards Moniaive. He had been employed by Major McCall of Caitloch, Moniaive, and was a shepherd at Barbuie, Moniaive, when he enlisted in November 1915. William died on 26 August 1918 at the age of 24, and is listed on the Dalry war memorial and is also named on the Glencairn Parish War Memorials in Moniaive. Captain Archibald Douglas Hewitt Clark Kennedy was born in London, the son of the late Captain Alexander William Maxwell Clark Kennedy of Knockgray, Carsphairn, a family with a long history of military service. His mother was The Honourable Lettice Lucy, third daughter of the fourth Viscount Lifford. Archibald had pre-war service with the 4th Royal Scots volunteers, and with the Bombay Light Horse. He had worked for the Standard Life Insurance Company in Edinburgh and India, and then the Law, Union and Rock Insurance Company in London before volunteering at the outbreak of war and joining the Royal Scots Fusiliers. He served in Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine before transferring to France as a Captain and was mentioned in dispatches in January 1918 for distinguished service. He died on 18 September 1918 during the advance on Cambrai at the age of 30. His brother Alexander had been killed in April 1917 and his other brother, William, was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery just the month before Archibald was killed. Archibald is listed on the Carsphairn war memorial which was unveiled by his brother William and stands on land donated by the Clark Kennedy family. Samuel Dalziel was born at Rosebank, Parton, the son of Samuel and Jane Todd (Wallace) Dalziel of Ewanstone, Balmaclellan and had at one time worked at Cubbox prior to enlistment into the Kings Own Scottish Borderers. Sam had been wounded three times and we know that his second wound was to the thigh (in March 1918) and he was admitted to the Red Cross hospital in Dundee. He was living in Argrennan Mains, Tongland, when he enlisted into the Kings Own Scottish Borderers in June 1916. Sam had been promoted to Corporal before he was killed in action on 30 September 1918 at the age of 21. Sam is listed on the war memorials in Balmaclellan and Tongland. Unfortunately I have been unable to obtain photographs of any of the men named in this article so if you have any, then please get in touch memorials@paulgoodwin.me.uk Paul Goodwin CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Sat 3 Nov 10am-3pm Dalry Town Hall A great opportunity to do some Christmas shopping all items are hand crafted. - pottery - felt hats crotched tea cosies - painted glass - scrap scultpture - tweed pictures - aprons - cushions - toys - clocks - knitted garments - homemade cakes - jams/jellies - local photos - and more! There will also be tea/coffee, homebaking and soup for sale throughout the day. Glenkens Gazette page 27 Crockett’s Glimpses Of The Glenkens This, the fifth in the Glimpses series, focuses on Castle Douglas. CASTLE DOUGLAS “Little town, once built at the foot of a hill and ever since running a race up it—I do not know whether you are very proud of me, but at any rate I am proud of you.” The Crockett family moved from Duchrae to Castle Douglas in 1867. Samuel Rutherford lived there until 1876, winning the Galloway Bursary to Edinburgh University. He wrote extensively about Castle Douglas in his fiction, but renamed it Cairn Edward, perhaps to spare the blushes of the locals. The Railway, the Market, the Cotton Mill, The Kirk on the Hill, Cowper’s school, various local hotels, hostelries and shops, the Mechanics Institute and the Cross are all treated to Crockett’s evocative powers of description. Carlingwark Loch, Little Dublin and Threave get a mention too. Banks feature frequently and the ‘characters’ of Castle Douglas (good and bad) are given full credit. “So, exactly at four of the oldfashioned gold-faced watch which had ticked all night by his bedstead in the house of Tibby Allen, spinster, gossip, and householder in Queen Street, Cairn Edward, Mr Christopher Kennedy stepped out into the little white street of the burgh, clean swept of people, and with the sunshine flooding it silently and emptily from end to end just as if it were a fine summer Sabbath day during the morning diet of worship.” From high to low, no resident of CD is excluded: “In a town like Cairn Edward a local Do-Nothing is apt to attach himself to a livery stable, and there to acquire a fine coppery nose and a permanent ‘dither’ about the knees. He is spoken of curtly and even disrespectfully as ‘that waister Jock Bell.’ In cities he becomes a mere matter for the police, and the facetious reporter chronicles his two-hundredth appearance before the magistrate.” There were surely a plethora of interesting folk to pick from: “For in Galloway, at least as between the male sex, sympathy is with the strong man who leaves his mark. And the fame of Pin McMyn, who dibbled his wooden leg into the soil baker.” There are plenty of familiar places described as well as those now long gone: “The museum had long become the manège of a cycle agency, and that in turn had lately been swept away to provide for the needs of extra ‘siding’ accommodation at Cairn Edward Station.” Crockett’s keep observation offers a social history from an individual perspective: “They drove up the street of the little town - then scarce more than a village. All was in darkness. To the moon had been left the task of lighting the burgesses home. Country visitors, except on market days, were not looked for - certainly not welcomed. Man, woman, and child in Cairn Edward - all were expected to know the way to their own doors in the dark. For the moon, though a party to the contract, not infrequently did not come up to time, owing to stress of weather, temper, and feminine whimsies.” You can find Crockett’s Castle Douglas in more than ten of his Galloway novels and stories including Rose of the Wilderness, The Stickit Minister, The Stickit Minister’s Wooing, Kit Kennedy, The Smugglers, Rogues’ Island, Strong Mac, Lads’ Love, Cinderella and Bog Myrtle and Peat. Unlock the Cairn Edward key and a whole new old world is your oyster. Cally Phillips He wrote extensively about Castle Douglas in his fiction, but renamed it Cairn Edward, perhaps to spare the blushes of the locals. at the butt end of Cairn Edward Railway Station and fought six Irish drovers, hath not yet passed away.” Crockett also treats us to the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the town he loved: “He would call to mind the extended satisfaction of a penny Cairn Edward loaf, a production of human skill which gave as much crust in proportion to as little bread as has ever yet been compassed by merely human For further information and insight into Crockett’s Galloway writing visit www.galloway raiders.co.uk THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY � 01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS � HIGHLAND BEEF from THE GLENKENS STEAK ROASTS MINCE CASSEROLE LORNE pre-pack frozen Blackmark Dalry Castle Douglas DG7 3UG 01644 460532 www.highland.scot Glenkens Gazette page 28 Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is John McBeth with his photograph of the bridge at Loch Stroan. John wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s Sunday carvery. How to Enter: any photos taken in the Glenkens can be entered - landscapes, wildlife, portraits, action shots... Email them to glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 29 COMMUNITY OFFICER: TAM DINGWALL Thomas, or Tam, Dingwall is our new Community Officer here in the Glenkens. Tam says: Some folk may remember me from previously being in the Stewartry Community Team about four years ago. Basically, I have been a Police Officer for 13 years and spent a lot of my service as a detective in the CID. I have worked in Stranraer, Newton Stewart and the Stewartry previously. I married a girl local to Castle Douglas, hence the move through here. I am married with four children and reside in Castle Douglas. I am excited to be the new Glenkens Community Officer and think it is a beautiful and safe part of the region which is how I would like it to stay. If anyone wants to contact me they can email me on stewartryCPT@scot land.pnn.police.uk or phone 101 and ask to speak with me. Get in touch if you have any issues at all, or even just for a craic. Cheers, Tam GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Glenkens Gazette page 30 OCTOBER & NOVEMBER SEPTEMBER Sat 29, Abbas Rest Coffee Morning, 10am-12noon, Dalry Town Hall, see p18 OCTOBER Mon 1, Drop-in, 1-2.30pm, Dalry police station Thurs 4, Macmillan Fundraiser, 2pm, Hair by Jayne, Dalry, see p26 Fri 5, One Hunderd Years in Dalry exhibition: Concert, 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p2 Sat 6, GTI Bus Trip: Royal Botanic Garden, see p6 Sat 6-Sun 7, Dalry Heritage Group’s One Hunderd Years in Dalry Exhibition, Sat 2-6pm & Sun 2-5pm, see p2 Wed 10, Dalry Film Club: Their Finest, Dalry Town Hall, see p15 Thu 11, Poppy Pledge Coffee Morning, 10am-12noon, Dalry Secondary School, see p18 Thu 11, Stewartry Birdwatchers Talk: Forty Years on the Farne Islands, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway, see p8 Sat 13, Glenkens Farmers’ Market, 10am-12.30pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p3 Mon 15 & 22, Forest School (6yrs and under), 10am-12.30pm, The Hidden Mill, Balmaclellan, see p32 Wed 17 & 24, Forest School (12+ yrs), 10am-12.30pm, The Hidden Mill, Balmaclellan, see p32 Fri 19, Balmaclellan War Memorial First in Scotland: Talk by Paul Goodwin, 6.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Mon 22, Charity Shop Grants, application available 22 Oct from shop, to be returned by 10 Nov, see p23 Sat 27, GTI Bus Trip: Creative & Christmas Crafts Show, see p6 Sat 27, Dalry Film Club: The Shape of Water, Dalry Town Hall, see p15 NOVEMBER Thu 1, Drop-in, 3-4.30pm, Dalry police station Fri 2, Ladies Give it a Go! 'Bring a Plate' Supper, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, see p13 Sat 3, Centenary of the Armistice Talk: Paul Goodwin, 2.30pm, CatStrand, see p24 Sat 3, Craft Fair, 10am-3pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p26 Tue 6, Men’s Shed AGM, 10am, CatStrand, see p21 Wed 7, Dalry Secondary School Presents: Archie Dobson’s War (fundraiser for Poppy Scotland), Dalry Secondary School, see p18 Sat 10, Glenkens Farmers’ Market, 10am-12.30pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p3 Wed 14, Dalry Film Club: Some Like it Hot (fundraiser with CatStrand Ukulele Band), Dalry Town Hall, see p15 Thu 15, Stewartry Birdwatchers Talk: Tag-n-Track: Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway, see p8 Sat 24 Nov, CatStrand Xmas Shopping Day, 11am-4pm, CatStrand, see p3 Wed 28, Dalry Film Club: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, Dalry Town Hall, see p15 DECEMBER Sat 1, GTI Bus Trip: Gretna Gateway & Carlisle, see p6 Fri 7, Sat 8 Sun 9, Youth Players Panto, CatStrand, see p9 Glenkens Gazette page 31 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Film Makers’ Club, Mon 7-8.30pm Exercise to Music: Mon 9.30-10am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time) 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris Dance 2: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time) 4.30-5.15pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, Mon 68pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab, Mon (termtime) 7-8.30pm, ages 12-18 Start to Write, 1st Tues each month 35pm (no Feb meeting) Animation Club, Tues 4.30-6.30pm Gentle Tai Chi: Wed 10am Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed 2-3.30pm Continue to Write, 1st Wed each month 3.15-5.15pm Music/Jam Youth Drop-in, Wed 6-7pm & rehearsal/recording space available for booking from 7-9pm Writers’ Cafe, 2nd Thurs each month 7-9pm Sing it Out, Thurs 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes, 1st & 2nd Thurs of the month, 1–3.30pm Yoga, Thurs 6.30pm Zumba Gold, Fri (term-time) 9.3010.30am, CatStrand, 16+ Glenkens Acoustic Sessions, last Sun of the month 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry: Paint & Art, Mon 2-4pm GCC Playgroup, Tues, Wed & Thurs 9.15-11.45am Guides, Tues 6-8pm Brownies, Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts, Thurs 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group, Thurs 2-4pm Glenkens Children’s Club, Fri 10am- 12noon New Galloway Town Hall: LING Elevenses & Lunches, Tues 11am-2pm Fat Broadband Access, Tues 11am-2pm Table Tennis & Carpet Bowls, Tues 7-9pm Circuits, Tues 5.30-6.30pm Zumba, Wed 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, 11+ Circuits, Sat 8-9am Various Locations: Hatha Yoga, Mon 10-11.15am, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Carsphairn Post Office, Tues 1-3pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Dalry WI, 3rd Tues each month 2pm, Dalry Town Hall (except Jun, Jul & Aug) Beavers, Tues 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training, Tues & Thurs 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Mossdale Painters, Wed 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Youth Writing, Thurs (during term time) 3.30-5pm, ages 10-15, Dalry School Kettleball, Balmaclellan Village Hall, Thurs 7.30-8.30pm Coffee & Craft, Fri 9am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Bridge Hotel Scouts, Thurs 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Gentle Tai Chi, Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall Golf Junior Coaching, Sat 10-11: Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. Kells Church, 11am; Dalry CHURCH TIMES 10.30am; Church, 12noon. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sunday Services: Balmaclellan 9.45am: 1st. Carsphairn 11.15am: 1st,2nd (Oct),3rd,4th. Dalry 9.45am: 2nd (OCt),4th. Kells 9.45am: 3rd. Special Services/Events: Family Service, Dalry Church, 14 Oct, 9.45am. Quiz Night, Balmaclellan Village Hall, 2 Nov, 7.30pm. Remembrance Sunday Services: 11 Nov, Carsphairn Church, Communion Services: 28 Oct, 9.45am, Dalry Church. 18 Nov, 11.15am, Carsphairn Church. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed. CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Kirkcudbright: Sun Mass, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sat Mass, 5pm 30am, New Galloway Golf Course, see p8 Restoring Footpaths, Sat 10am1pm, phone 420 632 to confirm Junior Golf & Come-and-Try for all ages, Sat 10am Men’s Shed, Old Smiddy, Balmaclellan. Opening times: Mon 9.30am-4pm & 6.30-8.30pm; Wed 9.30am-1pm & woodcarving from 24pm; Fri 9.30am-12noon. Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tuesdays 12noon-3.30pm Fridays 10am-12noon & 1-4.30pm For further library van stops and informa�on contact Castle Douglas ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette CELTIC HARMONIES BORN IN A STORM Ten musical artists came together to create Gaelic-inspired sounds at Barscobe House, Balmaclellan. Focussing on the mysterious Galloway Gaelic song Oran Bagraidh, the artists have been working together to create compositions inspired by the song, the landscape and each other. Taking the theme of multiple identities, they have been exploring commonalities and differences between languages, regional histories and musical sensibilities, dipping into traditional, experimental and electronic sounds. Despite storm Ali causing a power cut in the middle of recording sessions, the artists have created material which will be used to create an album of poetry and music inspired by past peoples and languages of Galloway. The residency has involved a selection of highly acclaimed musicians and poets. Renowned poet Rody Gorman said: “This has been an extraordinarily productive collaboration with, as its origins, an enigmatic element of the corpus of Gaelic tradition in Scotland and Ireland as well as other traditions... A particularly pleasing element of the enterprise has been that newly created material has emphasised the specifically local as exemplified in the song Oran Bagraidh.” Oran Bagraidh ‘Song of Defiance’ is allegedly the only surviving example of the extinct dialect of Galloway Gaelic, spoken across the region from the 5th to 18th century, alongside English, early Welsh and Scots. The Oran Bagraidh Residency is produced by Katch Holmes for Knockengorroch as part of the organisation’s ‘Off Site’ programme. The recorded work will be released in WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk DEC/JAN COPY DEADLINE: 5 NOV page 32 From the back, left to right: Mary Anne (Bragod), Lorcan Mac Mathuna, Josie Duncan, Rody Gorman, Bob Evans (Bragod), Barnaby Brown, Gwyneth Glyn, Doimnic MacGiolla Bhríde, Conor Caldwell, Katch Holmes, Ben Seal and MacGillivray. February 2019, produced by Ben Seal. It will be followed by a tour of the UK and Ireland. The project is funded by Creative Scotland, Arts Council Ireland and PRS Foundation and supported by Barscobe Heritage Trust. Thanks go to W Bone for saving the sessions through supplying a generator during the power cut. Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.co.uk The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 108 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_108 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/253/GlenkensGazette107.pdf f47276fd8fc83ed7a82102d7bbfd664b Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 107 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE News from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry August/September 2018 ISSUE 107 FREE VOSCARS AWARD FOR GLENKENS CHILDCARE Glenkens Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) is celebrating after winning an award. The group, which is based at Glenkens Community Centre in Dalry, was named Stewartry Community Group of the Year 2018 at Third Sector Dumfries & Galloway’s Voscars (the voluntary sector's version of the Oscars) ceremony in Dumfries. "We’re absolutely over the moon," said group chair Danielle WilsonSmith. "This award represents years of hard work and dedication by parents and volunteers, and acknowledges how important and highly valued this early years childcare resource is within the communities of the Glenkens. Pictured: Children and parents enjoying the Glenkens ELC summer programme at a Forest School session. Continued on p7... Energy Minister Welcomes Natural Power Expansion Scotland’s Energy Minister, Paul Wheelhouse MSP, has visited Natural Power’s global headquarters in the Glenkens to mark the launch of a new £540K ‘ControlCentre’ and open the Fred Olsen Renewables Brockloch Rig Wind Farm. The control centre is the largest independently operated 24/7 control room in the UK, managing more than 175 renewable energy assets located accross the UK, Ireland, France and the US, and employing 19 staff. Stephen Trotter, Managing Director at Natural Power, said: “To ensure Natural Power remains at the forefront of asset management, real time data provision and security requirements, this investment is designed to deliver the next decade of services. So we embarked on a market-leading programme that included the design and build of a new control services facility at our global headquarters.” Continued on p4... The new ControlCentre at The Green House, Forrest Estate, Dalry. A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 Uniting Glenkens Communities I attended a recent meeting at Dalry Town Hall titled Glenkens Forum. Despite its remit of ‘challenges of an ageing population and lack of opportunities for young people’ (important local issues), the discussion focused predominantly on wind farms, community benefit and the new Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) pylons. As has been the case in many such meetings I have attended over the last seven years, opinion was often divided. However, the one thing that we seemed to agree upon was that the Glenkens people and groups need to work more closely together if we are to have any influence over outside organisations (eg wind farm companies and SPEN). Being united, even if we have our disagreements (which is perfectly normal), will help us better negotiate with external agencies and look after our collective interests. One participant suggested that ‘The Glenkens’ should become one community council area, pooling our resources, an idea I have loosely favoured for several years. However, the concept was not warmly received. Whilst I was chair of Dalry Community Council I tried to initiate a Community Council Forum to better work together on local issues, but again it attracted little support. The national picture seems to be one of wanting separation from unions that are not working as well as they could. Any ‘relationship’ needs to be fair and open for all the parties involved, otherwise it is doomed to failure. However that should not poison us to the benefits of co-operating. The Glenkens has experienced many years of division and I don’t see it has served us well. Perhaps it is now time to buck the trend and examine ways we can work together, through mediums like regular Community Forums on important local issues. We can carry on as we are, but as the popular expression goes 'If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got'. My suggestion is that we put our collective heads together to find new ways to collaborate in the Glenkens for all our good. Our collective future may well depend on it! Andi Holmes COMMUNITY BENEFITS CLARIFICATION I have heard a lot recently about the Blackcraig wind farm community fund, but nothing that answered my basic questions about it. One of the reasons I attended the initial Glenkens Sustainability Forum meeting was in the hope of making sense of it all. While I gained a clear sense that I was not alone in my confusion, and of the frustration present in the area about the seeming inability of the Glenkens to work together on issues that matter, I came away more befuddled about the community fund than ever. It is certainly difficult to contribute to an effective debate when you don’t have a clear understanding of the situation as it stands. Beginning to doubt my cognitive abilities, I phoned Angus Robertson, director of Blue Energy Sustainable Community Initiatives (BESCI) – a social enterprise set up to manage Blue Energy community funds - for clarification. Here is what he told me: BESCI will manage the community fund from Blackcraig wind farm. This fund is at the current industry standard of £5,000 per megawatt installed – which translates as an annual fund of around £254,000 minus expenses and administration costs. This is intended for the lifetime of the project – likely to be 25 years - and will continue with any transfer of ownership. There is no contract that he is aware of, but it community council members. Applications can be made at any point over the lifetime of the funding, and they will be looking for good, high-quality, sustainable projects. There will be no local Trust or other body needed to hold or distribute the fund. Angus Robertson says he has no plans to hold a public meeting but has already met with members of the community individually at their request and will be back in the area towards the end of August. If you would like to meet or have any questions you can get in touch with him at angus.robertson@b esci.org.uk or go to www.besci.org.uk for further info. Hopefully this will be useful to anyone else in my position and encourage direct contact for further queries. As for working together, going on this information now is certainly the time – not to be distracted, confused and divided by rumours, solo agendas or personal grievances, but to concentrate, as many already do, on building healthy, forward-thinking community councils and a culture of cooperation towards shared goals across the Glenkens. Mary Smith ...building healthy, forwardthinking community councils and a culture of cooperation towards shared goals across the Glenkens. is agreed standard practice across the industry and there is no reason to think it will be any different in this case. The fund will open to applications from May 2019, with the application process available online. Applications are made direct by community projects within a still-to-be-defined area and will be assessed in partnership with a local panel which will include Glenkens Gazette page 3 IT'S ALL GO FOR CONNECTING IN COMMUNITIES The Glenkens will be rocking again this October with another Rocktober gig even bigger and better than last year’s. The gig will feature a top local rock band, disco, bar and music quiz. The organisers may hire an up-and-coming rock/blues band as support so if you’re band is ready for exposure, give Chris. Ring on 420 374. Look out for posters with details of the venue, times, artists and the free shuttle bus - it’s all systems go for Saturday 20 October, and tickets will only be a fiver. It’s not all just rock and roll though; our volunteers here at CatStrand were nominated in the Third Sector Dumfries & Galloway VOSCARS in the Culture & Heritage section for the Stewartry, coming a close second. We also ran our own volunteers ‘Thank You’ night supporting Volunteers Week; a splendid night was had by all as we joined the Umbrella Party to celebrate completion of CatStrand’s latest flood defences. Looking ahead, plans and fundraising for developing the Old Smiddy in Balmaclellan as a heritage hub are close to completion, and hopefully work will commence in the early autumn. This will provide an additional multi-use venue, space for young people, modern IT facilities, library and potentially Chris Jowsey (left) and Brian Jones film making recording facilities. with their Voscars certificates. Our Volunteers BBQ is on Friday 31 August and will feature a Want to know more or get presentation of the Flames collaborative performance starring some unlikely, but involved? Brian and Chris can be contacted on 01644 420 well-known, faces. 374 or brian@catstrand.com or Our regular fitness sessions are now chris@catstrand.com well established on a Tues/Sat in New Connecting in Communtieies and Galloway Town Hall, but there will CatStrand rely heavily on volunteers now also be a Kettlebell Plus class to support the plethora of events and starting on Thursday 6 September in activities that go on - if you have time Balmaclellan Village Hall from 7.30to spare please get in touch as we’d 8.30pm. Also look out for the Let’s love to have you on-board. Motivate training course, open to all, on Chris Jowsey, 16 Aug at 1.30pm. Volunteer & Participation Officer BALMACLELLAN NEEDS ITS SHOP! How would Balmaclellan survive if the shop at its heart closed? My family and I have lived here for four years and, from the very beginning, we’ve been fed and watered by Balmaclellan Stores. They have an amazing variety of stock, happily getting items in on request, and we have been aided and protected by products as wide-ranging as logs, bottled gas, and tick removers, as well as being kept informed of how the local community works - including where to get particular things done, who would know about niche areas, and whether the cat that was living in our garden when we moved in belonged to anyone... Debbie and her parents, who own the shop, have always been so helpful; if we have ever asked for something the chances are that Debbie has it in, but if not she is always willing to get it if possible. To save us space and travelling, Debbie suggested and now bulk-buys our dried dog food and wild bird feed, which she stores and lets us buy one bag at a time. The shop has always been a great support to our holiday cottage business, also in Balmaclellan, including providing their marvellous and highly acclaimed home-made cakes and pies. In fact, our guests have regularly commented about what an amazing shop it is. I realise the shop is at the heart of the village. It would be terrible to lose it. Direct and indirect communication happens through the shop - it gives company to many people, and provides a valuable target and resting place for a pleasant walk. Debbie gives many free services including delivering goods to people who for various reasons cannot get to the shop; holds post if people are unable to receive it due to being away, working, etc; operate a free cash machine; witnesses forms; provides friendship and support to anyone who needs it, and much more besides. On more than one occasion, they have literally taken cash from their own pocket to give to customers when the cash machine has been empty, or said "take what you need and pay when you're next passing". Try getting service like that at one of the supermarkets! I am hoping to remind people about what an invaluable community resource this is, and that we need to repay the support it gives us. The incredible variety of goods and services - at very competitive prices (often cheaper than competitors near and far) - are provided by a business with all its accompanying overheads, with Debbie only taking a small salary once these have been settled. Unlike other shops in the Glenkens, it has no other income; for instance others have community funding, a supporting income from the Post Office, and room to be able to diversify to provide a lovely cafe and bistro, etc. Therefore I am not only asking people to shop as much as possible in Balmaclellan, but I am also calling on the community to find ways of helping to fund some of the shop (in consultation with Debbie, of course). If the shop were ever to close, Balmaclellan would lose its last public facility - what will there be for locals, or to encourage visitors or newcomers? Unlike the other villages, we have no cafes, Post Offices, pubs, or visitor centres to support and encourage a sense of community and enhance village life. I know of many people who come from outside of the village to use the shop, and I hope they will join with us to continue to support the shop to help sustain its future. Balmaclellan would be a very hungry, thirsty, lonely, unsupported and quiet place if it didn't have the shop. So please, support Balmaclellan Village Stores. Denise MacDonald-Kiernan Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk VARIOUS Chairs in need of reupholstery: reproduction Queen Anne style (1 mousenibbled) x 2. Parker Knoll style (needs new cushioning) x 1. Rocker x 1. Can be delivered. Contact: Ros on 01644 420 632 Burley Bee/Minnow bike trailer, collection only. Contact 01644 420 462 Little multi-fuel Wenlock cast iron stove with stainless steel flue pipe mark 1 with back boiler, needs some attention. Contact: 01644 430 529 70 hardback A4 envelopes. 1 Epson black ink cartridge, for Epson Stylus Colour printer 800/850/850Ne/1520. Contact: 01644 460 516 WANTED 1/2 lb honey/jam/chutney jars. With or without lids. Can collect. 07941 126 323 Used postage stamps for horse charity. Drop off at 3 Midtown, Dalry, or call 07563 718 011. Thanks to everyone who donated them over Christmas. Stainless steel kitchen utensils/pots, etc and wooden trays/boxes with compartments for sorting. Contact Dalry ELC/ Nursery at gw08devlinjenna01@ ea.dumgal.sch.uk New Natural Power ‘ControlCentre’ Continued from front page... The new facility has been designed for Natural Power’s next decade of growth, with the flexibility to add new services where required, to upgrade software that will improve service delivery and to accommodate work with specialist suppliers whenever necessary – vitally important in an ever-changing industry. Paul Wheelhouse, Energy Minister, said: “I am delighted to open this new facility and welcome the significant investment by Natural Power and the Fred Olsen Group in the Scottish energy sector and, of course, it is tremendous to see investment in such a facility in a rural region such as Dumfries and Galloway.” One of the assets being managed through the ControlCentre is Brockloch Rig Wind Farm, located 8km north east of Carsphairn. It consists of 30 2.05MW turbines with a total installed capacity of 61.5MW. Fred Olsen said: “The investment in Brockloch Rig creates two new milestones for Fred Olsen Renewables. Firstly it takes us past 500MW of operating capacity in Scotland, and secondly it brings the total invested in Paul Murton was in the Glenkens filming for his Grand Tours of Scotland with Tern TV. competition to write an epitaph for his gamekeeper’s gravestone and the competition was won by one of the local ministers. Paul was filmed reading the poem in Kells churchyard, alongside the gravestone of John Murray. After visiting Kells churchyard the film crew drove down to Mossdale to film the old New Galloway station, and then finished the day up at Clatteringshaws. The BBC will air the programme in September or October, so make a note in your diaries. Scotland to almost three quarters of a billion pounds. The new investment in Brockloch Rig produces more output from 10 turbines than the original 36 turbines achieved in 1996. “Instead of the traditional five year operations contract with the turbine supplier, we are engaging Natural Power to run this project after just two years. This approach is being rolled out across our fleet where the original turbine manufacturer’s warranties expire, creating over 40 jobs within the Natural Power servicing team in Scotland.” Grand Tours of the Glenkens Filming began with Paul pikefishing on Loch Ken alongside local fish and wildlife experts Robin Ade and Tim Ewing. He then went on to the Ken Bridge Hotel to take a look at a replica of a legendary pike which had been produced by Robin for hotel owner Dave Paterson. The story of the monster pike is that John Murray, gamekeeper to Viscount Kenmure in the late 18th century, had presented his master with a 72lb pike caught after the latter had grumbled that there was "no fish bigger than a minnow" in the loch! Viscount Kenmure held a Paul Murton (right) with Robin Ade in front of Robin’s reproduction of the monster pike, situated by the bar in the Ken Bridge Hotel. Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by Footpaths and the Local Economy The link between footpaths and the local economy may not seem obvious, but our extensive network of local footpaths could be one of our most valuable assets. Improving access, mapping and sign posting paths would encourage greater use by residents and tempt visitors to stay a while, thus helping the local economy. The Glenkens could become an established walking area. With these thoughts in mind, a number of applications were made to the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP) by Local initiatives in New Galloway (LING), and those successful were the restoration of the footpath in the New Galloway Golf Course wood, clearing and maintaining footpaths and the partial restoration of the walled garden on the Garroch Estate. Work has already started on these projects, which rely totally on volunteer expertise and labour with the grant for materials restricted to 40% of the total cost. This is a five-year project for GGLP, but the intention is that future generations will continue to preserve this local heritage. The more volunteers we have the quicker improvements can be made, so please contact Ros Hill on 01644 420 632 or Gerry Cinderby on 01644 420 852 or email cinderbyg@gmail.com to volunteer. Assistance has also been given to the GGLP and D&G Council in helping two other projects forward. The Core Path which presently ends at Cairn Edward means walking along the A762 into New Galloway. With the help of a local landowner, an off-road route has been identified through old mixed woodland, linking into the Golf Course woodland path. Another project we have cooperated on is the concept of a long-distance path from Carsphairn to New Galloway, and linking to the Core Path described above. This will mainly use existing forest tracks operated by the Forestry Commission and Forrest Estate, but also some private landowners who have been supportive. Applications for funds to work on these improvements have been made by D&G Council to the Improving Public Access Fund which is managed by Scottish Natural Heritage. We hope to see you with hoes and spades one day and will keep you informed of progress. Gerry Cinderby Not So Bonnie Galloway? Plastic rubbish clogging up our beaches and oceans has received a lot of publicity recently. But littering is a perennial problem everywhere and with a reduced DGC litter collection service the problem appears to have multiplied in the Glenkens with many of our roadsides chock-a-block with rubbish. Dalry Community Council receives constant complaints about roadside litter with much discussion about what to do about it. Dumfries & Galloway Council is not alone in having their funding cut and having to make drastic cuts to our public services. Putting up council taxes does not come close to balancing the books and inevitably the repair of potholes, roadside grass cutting and litter collection is not up to the same standard as in the past. What can we do to help? A cursory analysis of the problem indicates that the bulk of the litter on the roadsides appears to be thrown from passing vehicles but some is local – on an Easter spring-clean one family collected 19 bags of dog poo that had been left in the hedges between Moss Roddock quarry and St John’s Way, despite there being a designated dog-poo bin just down the road at St John’s Seat. Perhaps our local families could start a trend for a different type of Easter egg hunt every spring – for every bag of litter collected a chocolate reward! Many folk who walk round our villages regularly pick up rubbish and dispose of it – this seems a sensible Liitter collected on the verges on the A702 and public-spirited way just east of Dalry. of keeping our Glenkens villages looking nice. local group, such as the Scouts, Perhaps all walkers could keep take responsibility for a particular a bag in their pocket to pop any stretch of road by having regular rubbish in and take back to a bin. clean-ups. In the States, where I And we can all be vigilant and ask have seen this idea in operation, people nicely to take their rubbish they have a sign on the roadside home if we see someone littering. saying ‘This stretch of the A123 is Also, the DGC Community Safety cared for by Anytown Scout Group’. Team are able to issue Fixed Penalty Please, everyone - have a think Notices of £80 to anyone found and come up with some more ideas. littering. They can be contacted by The days of assuming someone else telephone on 030 3333 3000, or by will deal with the problem are over; email at communitysafetyteam it is down to us now. @dumgal.gov.uk Nicolette Wise, Chair, Another idea would be to have a Dalry Community Council Glenkens Gazette page 6 Glenkens Gazette page 7 CHILDCARE IN THE GLENKENS Continued from front page... "The group has wonderful volunteers, dedicated staff and amazing local support – thank you so much to everyone who has been involved in the group since its inception right through to today." The Glenkens Holiday Club is well underway for 2018 - Glenkens Out of Summer - and the events are thriving. Still to come is 'Holiday Club meets Youth Arts' and the end of summer 'Garden Party featuring Molly Mixtures'. Follow our Facebook page @GlenkensBabyToddler to keep an eye out on dates and events. On Tuesday 21 August Bright Stars Glenkens Community Nursery will open its doors for the new term. Offering 9am-3pm childcare provision children aged 2-5 on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Funded as well as private places are available - get in touch now to secure your place as only a small number are available. There is also a pick-up service available from Dalry School Nursery, allowing children to have the morning at the school nursery and afternoon at Bright Stars. Follow our Facebook page @BrightStarsGlenkens to find out more or get in touch. Glenkens Baby and Toddler Group will be offering two sessions a month for 'Stay & Play' activities for 0-5 year-olds from September. We will be welcoming a new ELC practitioner into the group who will help to organise the sessions and activities alongside parents/carers. For one of the monthly sessions, Bright Stars will host and groups will be able to enjoy activities together. Follow our Facebook page @GlenkensBabyToddler for dates and times. New for 2018/19 is Glenkens After School Club, a service offering after-school activities from 3-6pm for P1-7s. Currently this service is being planned with the help of the community, so please join the Facebook group - Glenkens After School Club - to keep up to date and help shape the service. Grab an enrolment form as soon as they are available as spaces will go fast. After School Club aims to launch from 20 August. Also under review is a Breakfast Club for 2018/19, a service offering pre-school breakfast from 7.30am9am. If you may be interested in this service and feel there is a need, please get in touch at glenkenselc@gmail.com - further information on this will follow throughout 2018/19. Coming up on 10 August at 11am in Glenkens Community Centre will be Glenkens ELC AGM. Please come along and support the group, whether it's through volunteering, taking on a committee member role or just letting us know your thoughts, please pop along. Over the past 12 months great change and growth has taken place amongst our childcare groups and we are, as always, very grateful to our local and national supporters - Natural Power Ltd, GCAT, Glenkens Charity Shop, Cash for Kids and the Big Lottery Fund. Fundraising is a large focus for the groups to keep them affordable and accessible for all the community. If you have any ideas for fundraising or grant opportunities please let us know. Glenkens ELC is under the umbrella of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT), charity number SC032050. Danielle Wilson-Smith, Chair, Glenkens ELC RECENTLY AWARDED ‘CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR 2018’ - three changing cask ales & cider - fresh, seasonal & local food - open all day every day - award-winning food, beer & atmosphere - en-suite accommodation - 20% off takeaway discount - country sport & walkers facilities - 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk Follow us on facebook and twi�er and make sure to sign up for our newsle�er - see website for details… www.gallowayglens.org Glenkens Gazette page 8 SPALDING BOWLING CLUB Spalding Bowling Club held its open triples, sponsored by the Clachan Inn. It was won by a Home Club triple of Ian Cullen, Ray Heard, and Paul Nicolson. Beaten finalists were Stewart Crossan, Joe Caldow and John McGarrie, from Auchencairn. Gordon McAdam is also pictured, along with daughter Annabelle, and Steve Papworth who presented the trophy on behalf of the Clachan Inn. A great day was had by all. Valerie Russell NEW GALLOWAY GOLF CLUB With all this brilliant weather New Galloway Golf Club has been extremely busy. in June and a superb day was had by all. The day started with Dave’s Fledglings playing for the Les Burton Trophy. Some excellent scores were returned with the winner turning out to be the Captain's own The club held its Captain’s Day granddaughter, Chloe Aitken. Later in the day there was a putting competition in which the parents and grandparents partnered the juniors. The winners were Hector McCulloch and his granddad, Ian. The main competition was for the Jack McQueen Quaich. The winner of the Junior prize was Jack's granddaughter, Fiona McQueen; the Gents' Captain’s Day prize winners with club winner was Anthony Captain, Ian Brown. Graham and the Ladies' winner, and overall winner, was Janette Davidson. The picture shows all the prize winners on the day together with the captain. Following the golf, members were treated to a fantastic buffet. June was also the Club's Seniors Open, and this had one of the biggest entries in many years. The overall winner was the Club's own Jeff Sutcliffe, with the winner of the scratch prize being Dumfries & County's Ian Brotherston. Now that the school holidays are here our junior coaching programme continues on Saturday mornings at 10-11:30am. We are only too happy to see any new juniors looking to give golf a go... Ian Brown Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 9 CatStrand Highlights Summer has been wonderful so far! Searing temperatures, the World Cup, Wimbledon and of course the 39th Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival which we loved here at CatStrand. If July was quiet events-wise, August is the start of the crescendo and we’re delighted to welcome back the American old-time livewires The Hot Seats (Sat 4 Aug) on the eve of the world-famous Scottish Alternative Games (Sun 5 Aug). This is their 10th anniversary tour so it seemed fitting to bring them back to 10-yearold CatStrand five years after their first sell-out show here. We expect another sell-out too and an absolute blazer of a concert. For something more esoteric, head to Sulwath Brewery for the brand new Enigma Sessions (Fri 10 Aug), a new night of live music in intimate surroundings curated by our young intern Ruari Barber-Fleming. Indeed, Ruari is also featuring with his new music project Frozen Shores. A unique evening is in store also featuring Stornoway’s own Mother Night. The following weekend we have our annual Movie in the Park which is the quirky, funny, and intelligent story about awkward teens The Perks of Being a Wallflower [12] featuring Emma Watson (Harry Potter) and rising star Logan Lerman. If wartime history is more your thing, come and watch the Oscar-winning Gary Oldman in Darkest Hour [PG] (Wed 22 Aug) which many have said is the actor’s finest hour on celluloid. Staying with films, the Dalry Film Club movie in September is the multi-Oscar scooping Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri [15] (Wed 5 Sept) which the Telegraph called a “gut-twisting comedy to make you stand up and hoot”. We’re delighted to be hosting the first Galloway Gaelic Conference (Sat 8 Aug) featuring top academics and experts from all over the country. Entitled Galloway: Gaelic’s Lost Province the conference is already close to sold out so please get your tickets soon. On the eve of the Conference there will be a very special concert by legendary BBC Radio 3 presenter and Gaelic singer Mary Ann Kennedy (Fri 7 Sept). Tickets are available separately. Dalry Town Hall is the venue for one of the greatest country Americana bands on the live circuit Amanda Anne Platt and the Honeycutters (Fri 14 Sept). The sensational fivepiece band are touring all the way from North Carolina, USA. Lauded as “remarkable” (Rock ‘n‘ Reel Magazine) this will be another great night in the village. Finally, we welcome back the Dark Sky Jazz Club with a brand new series of artists fresh from the blossoming Scottish contemporary jazz scene. One of the finest of this current crop, described by BBC Radio 3 as “classy and well-crafted”, are the Brian Molley Quartet (Fri 28 Sept) who play their debut at CatStrand and I can guarantee this sax quartet will blow you away with a combination Calling Crafters! Dalry Town Hall Management Committee will be holding another craft fair on Saturday 3 November. Anyone who would like to book a table please contact Noreen on 07759 494 952 or 01644 420 730 or at noreenbell46@gmail.com 21 MAK of gorgeous tone and astonishing dexterity. Looking ahead Kiki Dee (Fri 16 Nov) is understandably close to sell out, and Kris Drever & Boo Hewerdine (Sat 13 Oct) are not far behind. Look out for Canadian comedy sensation and TV regular Glenn Wool in February 2019 and a quick note to say that for the first time ever, CatStrand will host its legendary Burns Supper on Burns Night itself (Fri 25 Jan). Tickets are available for all these shows now. Look out for our winter brochure at the start of September. The CatStrand Team Glenkens Gazette page 10 FLASH FICTION COMPETITION Are you a writer? Do you enjoy flash fiction? Well get writing! Each issue the Glenkens Gazette will run a flash fiction competition for short sories (under 450 words), with a different subject each time. This issue’s subject is ‘Summer’. Rules: It must be your own work. It must be no more than 450 words. It must be Fiction. Minimum age of entry 12 years with no maximum age limit. It must include a separate 50 words about yourself and what inspired your story. The winning entry will be published in the next issue of the Glenkens Gazette, including an online presence on the Gazette website, Facebook and Twitter. Entries will be judged by local author Ian Patrick, and the winner will receive a £10 Amazon voucher to spend on a book of their choice. What have you got to lose? Email entries to glenkens gazette@hotmail.co.uk by 5 September 2018. The judge's decision is final and no late entries will be accepted. The winner of the April/May Flash Fiction Competition is Sue Wiseman with The Day That Time Stood Still (printed below). Competition judge Ian says: “Congratulations Sue, an entertaining and original story.” About the Author: Many years ago I lived near London just yards away from the Greenwich Meridian. On New Years Eve we’d all stand astride 0 degree Longitude singing Auld Lang Syne, waiting for the stroke of midnight when we’d have one foot in the old year and one in the new. THE DAY THAT TIME STOOD STILL 32 Acacia Avenue Mavis, placing a pie on the oven, looked up as her husband came in, hot and dishevelled from the garden. “Finished the lawn, Jim?” “No. Bit of trouble with the mower. I’ll sort it out tomorrow morning when our Alan comes round.” “Ok. Dinner in about half an hour.” Broadcasting House London This is John Humphries and Sarah Montague in the ‘Today’ studio bringing you up to date on the catastrophic events following the sudden disappearance of the Greenwich Meridian yesterday. You’ll note we don’t have any time signals today. It is still unclear whether this is terrorist related. Brexit negotiations have been halted while emergency meetings are held to discuss the Meridian crisis. Sky News Stock markets around the world have ceased trading as most computers are out of action. International flights are grounded and ocean going vessels are experiencing unprecedented difficulties. BBC Radio 198 Longwave We regret we are unable to issue the shipping forecast due to the loss of GMT. 32 Acacia Avenue “All this hoo-hah about Greenwich Meridian, funny really what with it passing right through our back garden and through the Nicholson’s place in Tredegar Drive, right through their carp pond.” Jim added. A car door slammed. “I think that’s our Alan. I’ll put the kettle on.” Channel 5 News Network Rail say some trains are still running albeit without timetables. Passengers report they have not noticed any difference. ITN The Kremlin has denied any involvement with the disappearance of the Greenwich Meridian. 32 Acacia Avenue “So what’s wrong with this mower, dad?” “I was doing the lawn yesterday and something got snagged around the blade. I don’t know what it is, I can’t really describe it.” Jim unlocked the shed door. “I tried to cut it with a Stanley knife but I couldn’t, it’s too tough, so I thought if I could pull it and find the end I could just unwind it – except that there was no end. I kept pulling and pulling, nearly two hours I was at it.” He opened the shed door to reveal it full, base to apex, with a strange kind of filament, knotted, tangled, clumped into solid masses or strung out like spiders’ web at first glistening then almost transparent. Some of it started to avalanche onto the path. Alan looked aghast. “There’s miles of it, “ said Jim, “hundreds of miles..Thousands..” “You know what this is?” said Alan. “Err, yes son, I think I might do. I suppose I’ll have to own up and get something done about it.” Alan took out his phone and keyed in 999. “Yes dad, I think you will.” Glenkens Gazette A National Park for All Proposals for Galloway National Park rightly focus on protecting our landscape and environment. But, what if we’re missing the chance to put people at the centre too? I’m concerned the social and economic challenges we face aren’t being given enough attention, nor the potential of ground-breaking Land Reform and Community Empowerment legislation. Can a national park care for our communities as much as our countryside? While visitors to our beautiful region may think life here is idyllic, it’s a sad fact that for many in Galloway and the Glenkens, life can be a struggle. Since I was elected, I’ve seen this first hand. Higher heating, transport and food costs, the lowest average wages in Scotland and brutal welfare reforms all contribute to rural poverty, with people increasingly reliant on foodbanks right here among us. Our local economy is fragile: Brexit-induced uncertainties over farming and fishing; a higher than average ageing population; poor transport links and insufficient career opportunities and affordable housing, especially for young people. Of course, these are matters for local and national government to address - it’s something I and my colleagues do daily - but we need wide-ranging partnership working too – and that’s where I believe a national park could be key. Cairngorms is one of two existing national parks in Scotland, and I’d like to see their approach shape Galloway’s national park campaign, with a built-in commitment to by Councillor Dougie Campbell shared priorities with public bodies, including community organisations, local authorities and the Scottish Government. In their Partnership Plan, Cairngorms recognise that planning policies might stifle much-needed business development, or the construction of affordable homes. We need to ensure from the outset that creating a Galloway National Park doesn’t mean a moratorium on growth, or potential conflict with the desires of local people. This is particularly important now Community Empowerment legislation allows communities to control assets like unused council properties, to deliver services locally - a good example being Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING). What would Galloway National Park’s relationship be with communities seeking more autonomy over decisions that affect them? Similarly, Land Reform rights enable communities to buy land for affordable housing and sustainable infrastructure projects. Will this transformational legislation be at the forefront of any national park thinking here? It’s hard for people to travel between isolated areas if they don’t have access to transport. There’s a pledge in the Cairngorms Partnership Plan to support community transport. We already have Glenkens Transport Initiative delivering an excellent service here, but there’s potential to expand significantly – so could this be another partnership priority for our national park? Like Galloway, tourism is vital to the Cairngorms. However, their plan also prioritises supporting diverse employment, including forestry, agriculture, food and Milton Park Mystery Dear Glenkens Gazette, I was just wondering how long your paper been in publication? The thing is, years ago - around 1963 - I stayed with my parents at the Milton Park Hotel, near the Village of Dalry. One day we spoke with this page 11 elderly local man, who told us that three maids had died in the hotel under mysterious cicumstances (I think it had happened at some time in the 1950s). This is something which has constantly been on my mind, and something that I have never been able to confirm, and I was wondering if any of your readers may New Galloway Town Hall, now run as a community hub by LING © Les Bell drink, aiming to increase education and training opportunities too. So, could Galloway National Park capitalise on our amazing local produce by promoting our existing Council Food and Drink Strategy? National parks need foresters, instructors, rangers, managers – might we include a commitment to providing the Living Wage and apprenticeships for our young folk? This is the future I want for Galloway. Vibrant, diverse, inclusive and people-centred. Sharing partnership priorities, taking advantage of land reform and community empowerment rights, growing our economy and capitalising on our wealth of resources and people – these have to flourish in any proposals for Galloway National Park, alongside our precious natural environment. Let’s expand the debate to include us all. have heard of this? If so, I would be very grateful to learn more of the story... Sincerely, Alan Robertson, North Vancouver Can any Gazette readers help Alan to figure out the Milton Park mystery...? Glenkens Gazette page 12 BUSINESS IN THE SPOTLIGHT This new section in the Gazette will showcase a different local business each issue, giving readers a taste of the diverse and flourishing entrepeneurial world of the Glenkens. If you would like to feature your business, please email an article of up to 500 words with a photograph to glenkensgazette@ hotmail.co.uk Along the Hidden Road at Balmaclellan is a hidden business – Galloway Flowers, an artisan flower grower and florist. Galloway Flowers Rosie Gray working in her hidden garden. pea expecting a delicious perfume, only to discover none. From seed-sowing to planting to arranging, these flowers travel a distance counted in steps. My partner, Ken Leslie, has worked tirelessly to create raised beds essential to raise flowers productively. He’s keen to ensure this becomes an even richer haven for wildlife and wild flowers too. By encouraging a healthy population of birds, hedgehogs, frogs and toads, pests are naturally balanced without harmful pesticides, etc. chefs and farmers have embraced the ‘field to fork’ concept, valuing the quality and diversity of locally grown produce, more are discovering the delights of locally-grown, scented and seasonal flowers. Growing in Galloway does present challenges of course – last winter’s cold, the late spring and low rainfall this summer. But keen gardeners all our lives, we aren’t afraid of experimenting to find best varieties and methods. Most of our flowers grow outside, with a greenhouse and polytunnels used for blooms early ...encouraging a healthy population Perhaps you’re surprised anybody of birds, hedgehogs, frogs and toads, would (or could) grow flowers in Galloway? Certainly the weather presents pests are naturally balanced without challenges, but we’ve done just that for harmful pesticides... three years. The flowers are cut, arranged and delivered locally as bouquets, as well as for weddings and funeral tributes with a difference. I often add interesting foliage, grasses, seed heads and herbs to make informal ‘just picked from the garden’ style bouquets. In winter, we make seasonal wreaths and last year enjoyed a fun afternoon making Christmas wreaths at the CatStrand too. I love growing scented flowers and foliage as this quality has disappeared from so many flowers. To me, it’s so disappointing to pick up a rose or sweet A small artisan business like this is unusual. The UK cut flower business is huge, but few are now grown here - around 90% of flowers sold are grown abroad, mainly in Holland, Africa and South America. While this has made flowers available with a supermarket shop, choice is limited to those tough enough to stand the long journey. Few are fragrant, and many traditional cut flowers are rarely available to buy. But interest in these flowers is growing, particularly for weddings. Just as top and late in the season. In 2017, the last chrysanthemums were cut at Christmas, despite the snow! Flowers are cut fresh to order by telephone or online for local delivery and collection. I’ve been selling flowers at Kirkcudbright farmers market and Loch Arthur farm shop since 2016 too. The flower field isn’t open to visitors, but please get in touch if you would like to order or to find out more - www.gallowayflowers.co.uk or 01644 420 407. Rosie Gray Carers Wanted Wednesday 26 September: for holiday/sick cover To work as part of a team, caring for disabled lady in Dalry. Experience desired but not essential as training can be given. PVG can be discussed. Pay above minimum wage. 01644 430 135 Glenkens Gazette page 13 You DALRY LIBRARY Thank The leaders and NOTICE BOARD youngsters of the Librarian Angela Miller is delighted with her new notice board, provided by Dalry Community Council for displaying public information. Following recent refurbishment by D & G Council the Gourlay Memorial Library is much improved and can now be hired for groups and meetings. It is currently used for local Gaelic Classes on Monday evenings, Young Writers after school on Thursdays (monthly) and Bookbug on a Tuesday morning (also currently monthly). It is hoped that D & G Council’s more flexible approach to the building will lead to increased usage both inside and in the garden. To find out more, please contact Angela in the Library (phone: 01644 430 234) during opening hours, or email her at: angela.miller@dumgal.gov.uk Librarian Angela Miller beside Dalry Library’s new community notice board. Glenkens Cubs and Beavers would like to thank supporters of their annual Jumble Sale. Gratitude goes to all those who donated goods and those who came along and purchased at our recent jumble sale - the final total raised was £993. A huge thank you also goes to the group committee, parents and helpers who were amazing - we couldn’t do it without you. Cub Pack meetings restart on Wednesday 5 September, 6.458pm. If you are between eight and 101⁄2, boys or girls, and would like to come along and give Scouting a try you will be very welcome. In the meantime, thank you again for your support, it is much appreciated. Heather, Hannah and Doug (Cub Leaders) and Diana, Tim and Chrissie (Beaver Leaders) Glenkens Gazette RHINNS O’ KELLS CHALLENGE CUP The Rhinns o’Kells Challenge Cup will be held on Saturday 8 September. Anyone wishing to take part is invited to meet at The Thistle in Dalmellington Square (Snug Bar) for registration at 8am, after which a bus will be provided to take entrants to the start of the walk - the bus leaves at 8.30am. The walk starts at the Forest Lodge near St Johns Town of Dalry, and is a strenuous walk over nine tops, back to Loch Doon and finishing at Drumjohn (approximately 20 miles). Transport back to Dalmellington will then be provided, and there will be food and presentation of the Cup to the winner, and medals for the walkers. The total cost to participate is £14. For further information on the Dalmellington Walking Weekend please contact Drew Filson on 07772 871 946. Left to right: Sheila McLean, Sharon & David Scott and Kenneth Filson leaving Carlins Cairn with Views of Loch Doon in the background. GLENKENS ROUTE Thursdays: 12noon-1pm – Crossmichael 1-2pm – Parton/Loch Ken Holiday Park 2-4pm – Balmaclellan area 4-5.30pm – The Hidden Road Fridays: 8-10.30am – Dalry 10.30-11am – Glenlee Area 11am – New Galloway 12noon – New Galloway Shop 2pm – Mossdale area 3-4pm – Laurieston to Gatehouse Please note that all times are approximate. 07966 103 912 charliecoid@hotmail.com Fleet Fish aims to provide top quality produce which is sourced as locally as possible. We take pride in offering friendly door-to-door service tailored to our customers’ needs. page 14 New Galloway Exhibition The exhibition of paintings, photographs and artefacts from New Galloway was enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. As well as showcasing past social life, the event, organised by Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING), allowed former pupils of Kells School (the building which is now the CatStrand) to re-live memories of their childhood, aided by the digital display of photographs and postcards. Former classmates from as far apart as Bath and Turriff attended the event. The upper town hall served as a gallery, with over 50 works of art in various genres featuring New Galloway and the surrounding area. In the lower hall were records of local ancestry in a Voters Roll dated 1909–1910. The fact that some people stayed for hours and others even returned the second day indicated the success of the weekend. Thanks to all who supported it. Raymond Bridgeman Glenkens Gazette page 15 Laurieston’s Handmade Beach Once upon a time there was no beach. Well, that’s not strictly true – there’s always been a shoreline since the melting glaciers of the last ice age left lots of drumlins around the Laurieston area. People have swum in Woodhall Loch for a very long time. The water flowing out of Lochenbreck was believed to have healing powers. Once it was a popular spa. Laurieston Hall was a tuberculosis (TB) hospital until shortly before becoming what has evolved into its present day community. Taking the air and water was an important part of the healing process. My own connection from that era is that my son John Henry’s grandfather, Dr Cairns, was a TB specialist who used to send his patients there. My first recollections of the shoreline are from when Jeannie (my late wife), myself and a very small John Henry used to come on visits to Laurieston Hall. I remember visiting the loch one day with our friend Margaret, and looking up to see a kingfisher sitting on a branch just above us. Somehow that moment cemented my bond with the loch, making me want to always have it as a part of my life. By this time John Henry had grown old enough to be coming down from the village to the Hall whenever he got the chance, to play snooker and table tennis and make liberal use of its other facilities. Mutterings began: “Roland what are you going to do in return?”. Well, the rest is history. I managed to convince both Hall residents and the Forestry Conservator that a wee beach at the boundary of the Hall’s land was needed and that this would be possible with no more than a trowel. The forces of nature will always win, so best to work with them wherever possible. The small burn coming off designed as a sun trap. the hill was depositing its sand and - Break the ice and go in for a dip; gravel into swampy undergrowth they do it regularly in Scandinavia the wrong place to be of any use. The and Russia and live to tell the tale. answer: dig out a shallow channel to Teilhard de Chardin coined the word divert the water through 90 degrees ‘conscientisation’ when speaking so that it would flow southwards to of the phenomenon of matter the spot where it now merges with being able to organise itself over the loch. immense periods of time gradually to Once done, winter deluges (and the achieve higher and higher levels of odd summer one) did much of the ‘complexity consciousness’. For him rest of the job so long as one kept the the purpose of life and the universe channel of the burn cleared out. was this endless striving over billions The beach is not just somewhere of years by the matter/energy that with enough sand to ensure space are you and me, and countless to sunbathe and to wade into deep generations to come, to reach the water comfortably. It is the point at ultimate point of an unimaginable which waves break and produce a consciousness which today’s religions myriad of different sounds as water speak of as ‘God’. gurgles up into crannies between the That all brings me back to where boulders. we started – the ice ages which What of the future? The beach is provided the materials and for me a living entity constantly interacting the inspiration to build a beach, with all who use it. It is a statement experiment with a bit of living of our relationship with the natural land art, get grounded, practice world. It is a place of surprises – the mindfulness – call it what you mother otter playing with two of her will. What matters is that it’s just young off the rocks at the end of the one more pointer towards our breakwater, the sudden visitation understanding of that extraordinary of a kingfisher streaking across the process we have been born into. loch, the red squirrel looking for nuts The beach is something dynamic dropped into the Loch and washed up and, above all, it’s a wonderful place onto the beach. to reflect on what life’s all about and The beach is somewhere to be to recharge one’s batteries in order to creative – the materials are all there. be more creative and adventurous in They don’t have to stay in their our quest towards self-determination present configuration. So, here are for our own, our species and the a few tips on how to ensure future natural world’s futures. generations can share in what is best Roland Chaplain, Balmaclellan of what is there at present: - If you see an interesting-looking boulder bring it to the beach. - Avoid throwing boulders into the water on the sandy bit (people have now got used to not breaking their toes when they race in for a swim). - If you’re feeling agile and energetic, explore up the burn and clear out any vegetable debris (that might occasionally include fallen trees). - Autumn storms can throw up large amounts of leaves, twigs and branches. If left they will provide nutrition for midges and flies and eventually a migration of other vegetation across the beach. - Strip off at any time of year; low-angle winter sun is particularly good Roland Chaplain and his beach, as for you, and the beach is �� ����������������������������������� ������� ���������������������������� ����������������������������� ������������������������������� ������������������������ ��������������������� Roland Chaplain has been working for the last 30 years on creating a beach on the banks of Woodhall Loch. Recently, the Scottish Daily Mail ran a feature on Roland and his handmade beach. The Gazette hears from Roland first-hand how it all came about... me to trap a good bit of sand to start. Now it stretches out for more than 12 metres (39ft) and took hundreds of rocks and boulders to build.’ Everything is explained with a boyish zeal that lights up his cartoonish features and reinforces the impression that Mr Chaplain might have stepped from the pages of a Roald Dahl novel, with his tangle of bleached wire for eyebrows and shock of white hair. Yet the net results of 33 years of excavation are truly breathtaking. The once-shallow channel at the end of the burn now easily swallows up Mr Chaplain’s rangy 6ft 2in frame. The beach ‘complex’ now incorporates a sandy bay looking north-east with its elegant lines of stone marking where the sand trails off gently into the positively balmy waters and a separate, high-backed sun-bathing zone of fine gravel facing south-west. S ������������������� �������������� ������������ ���������������� �������������� ����������� �������������� ������������ ���������������� bus, car or bicycle depending on the weather to carry on what was becoming an obsession. The Nineties came and went, as did the Noughties and his son grew up and emigrated to Australia where he now has his own young family. And yet Mr Chaplain’s devotion to his beach never faltered. He can trace his interest in waves and water patterns back to early childhood and his parents’ arrival as impoverished refugees from Germany just days before the outbreak of the Second World War. Born in 1941 when the family lived by the sea in Bournemouth, he found an instant connection with beaches as a youngster. ‘My mother was half-Prussian and half-Scottish and my father was a nomadic trader who remained stateless throughout his life, so it was difficult in the war,’ he said. ‘There was a lot of racial bullying and I ended up a bit of a loner, I suppose. When the bullies realised I was quite physically tough they ran, but I still tended to do things on my own and I think I am not easily distracted once I want to do something. ‘We were really poor and learned how to get out and pick chestnuts and brambles and I even remember going to shops and begging for food. I also became pretty adept at beachcombing and finding things I could sell for money after storms. That’s where it all started, this understanding of how sand behaves with different wave structures. It has kept with me through my career in meteorology.’ His experience with forecasting and reading weather conditions equipped him with the know-how to manipulate the flow of sand onto his beach at the southern end of the mile-long loch. ‘I needed northerly winds to blow down the loch, producing big enough waves to sweep the sand along to my beach. ‘The trick was to build curved breakwaters which would cause the currents induced by the breaking waves to spin round gently and deposit sand and gravel but carry only the finer mud and leaf debris out into deep water. ‘Just a little bit of wall allowed MALL fish nibble lazily at wildflower seeds floating on the loch shaded by birch, beech and alder. ‘It is very satisfying, seeing how it has evolved and how it behaves in different weather conditions,’ said Mr Chaplain as he surveyed his handiwork. It has been described as ‘land art’ – similar to the stylised works of such practitioners as Charles Jencks and Andy Goldsworthy – where form and function merge and submerge. Mr Chaplain is wary of such praise, arguing that nature has created its own aesthetic. ‘It is meant to look as natural as possible, while still working as a beach. But I don’t neatly line up all the white boulders together or anything like that. ‘It’s not pretty-pretty art, it was built for recreation and you could just smash it up any time and start again.’ Not that he wishes destruction upon his hard-fought creation. ‘I would love to pass this on to others to maintain it. I’m getting older now, I’m not going to do very much more to it. To extend any further out would need a huge amount of material to build up the wall. ‘I now come down here mainly to have my swim or just to enjoy nature, to see otters playing or swans and ducks with their young or just to listen to the waves breaking on the rocks.’ It may have taken more than three decades, but Roland Chaplain appears finally to have found his own patch of heaven on earth. For him, life truly has been a beach. featured in the Scotish Daily Mail. Glenkens Gazette page 16 Farewells and Achievements at Dalry Dalry Secondary School would like to pay tribute to some long serving members of staff who are retiring. Mrs Mary Nurse, Mr Tom Carmichael and Mrs Ros Henry have taught English, Physical Education and Music respectively for many years at Dalry. I am sure that, as a community, we wish them well as they depart and enter a new phase of their life in retirement. Mrs Susan Farquhar will also leave us at the end of the session to take up a position at Dumfries High School. Newly appointed in these positions after the summer will be Mrs Emma Stockwell as teacher of English, Mr Liam Fleming as teacher of Physical Education, Mrs Susan St Joseph as teacher of Music and Miss Rachel Crossan as trainee teacher of Home Economics. We will also miss Mr Paul Goodwin who is retiring from his position as network administrator. Paul has been a fantastic ambassador for the school and has ensured that the Information Technology available in Dalry has consistently been fit for purpose and serving the young people in their learning. Paul has many other strings to his bow that he has regularly made use of to provide opportunities for Dalry's students (see Paul's article on p24). House System: During this term we have taken the first steps to introducing a house system involving all pupils, led by elected house captains to encourage recognition of sporting and academic achievements as well as positive behaviour and citizenship achievements and contributions. The houses established are Goodwin House and Mulloch House, and congratulations go to the chosen house captains, Florrie Newbery and Jake Finlay. Sports Day: The re-introduction of a competitive sports day at Dalry Secondary School was a tremendous Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry Licensed convenience store and newsagent stocking a range of local suppliers including Corsons and Irvings Bakers, Ballards and Dalmellington Country Butchers and Mitchells Fruit and Veg. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 Dalry Secondary Sports Day, showcasing the breathtaking scenery which is the backdrop to the school playing field. success. The day consisted of a range of races, both individual and team relays, as well as very competitive egg and spoon and three-legged races and a fun inter-house pupils and staff game of rounders. Poppy Pledge: Dalry Secondary and Cluster Primaries have jointly taken on the challenge of raising £1918 during the year to help ex-servicemen and women and their families impacted by conflict. Music Achievements: Dalry Secondary pupils have surpassed even their own high standards with some exceptional musical achievements this term. Rory Newbery, Hardie Walker and James Wallace all performed in the Castle Douglas Rotary Young Musician of the Year Competition, all three were a credit to the school and James won the vocal award as well as the silverware as overall winner. At the Galloway Music Festival Hardie Walker won first place on electric guitar, James was first in two classes, including with distinction in Scots solo singing and the S1 group performance also took first place with distinction. James also sang at the Big Burns Supper in January along with pupils from P7, Jessica Nash from S1 and Sarah McCreath and Grace Jeffery Temple from S2 who played flute. Dalry is truly a hotbed of musical talent out and about across the region and we thank Mrs Henry for her commitment to supporting the talents of the young people. Pupil Parliament: Next session it is planned to raise the profile of the young people’s voice by holding monthly consultation sessions, when Mrs Gillies will meet elected representatives of each year group. It is hoped this will provide the opportunity for young people to make suggestions, raise concerns and to be consulted on all appropriate aspects of school life. Elections will be held early in the new term and we hope you will encourage your young people to consider participating and experiencing the democratic process. Lorraine Gillies , Dalry Secondary School School Blog: Keep up to date with what’s been happening in school via https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/dg/ dalrysecondary/ Headteacher/Depute Headteacher availability in Dalry School: From the new school term (Tuesday 21 August) times during which senior managers will be based on site at Dalry School will be: Mr Smith Friday mornings; Mrs Gillies Monday & Tuesday mornings and all day Thursdays; Mrs Cook Thursday mornings; Mr Cathro Tuesday late morning/afternoon. At all other times Mr Bannister and Mrs Acheson (Principal Teachers) will be fulfilling management roles. For further information contact 01644 430 259 or gw08officedalry@ea.dumgal.sch.uk Glenkens Gazette page 17 HEALTH AND WELLBEING WEEK Dalry Primary and Nursery/Early Learning Centre (ELC)took part in their Health and Wellbeing (HWB) Week organised by teachers Miss Joss and Mrs Devlin. All pupils from Nursery to P7 were given the opportunity to plan and personalise their own week by signing up to a range of workshops. Topics focused on developing skills, knowledge and understanding about physical and mental health, nutrition, and sports science, and ranged from orienteering to baby care to ninja warriors! The activities were facilitated by class teachers, ELC staff and volunteers who kindly offered their skills and expertise. As part of our close partnership working within the Cluster, Kells and Carsphairn Primaries also joined Dalry pupils for workshops on the Wednesday. Feedback from all three schools was that pupils and staff really enjoyed being able to play and learn together. A few of the pupils’ favourites were Lego ‘n' Chill, Megan’s Gymtastic Gymnastics, Art Therapy, River Walk and Nature Hunt and Play Cafe... HWB Week culminated in the rescheduled and much anticipated Children in Need Ramble. Pupils and staff from Kells and Dalry Primaries completed a six kilometre hill walk up and over the Mulloch Hill, with the ELC joining in for part of the walk. Everyone met back at Dalry school for a community picnic and some well-earned ice pops. It was a wonderful, and challenging, event during which pupils raised over £550 for Children in Need. Well done and thank you to everyone who took part. A huge thank you to all Dalry staff for their support, input and enthusiasm, and for Kells staff and pupils for getting involved too. Also a special thank you to our volunteers who kindly gave their time to support and enhance our HWB week: Kirstie and Blair Templeton (Nutrition, Gardening and Sports Massage); David Steward (Football Coach); Stewart Gibson (Mountain Rescue); Anne McEwan (Baby Care); Angela Orro (Tesco Community Champion for sponsoring the Play Cafe food); and to staff members - Mrs Banner, Miss Andrew, Mr Carmichael and Mrs Henry - for offering their specialist input across the week. HWB Week was such a success that pupils are already planning next year’s event. "It was brilliant - I learned so much and did lots of really fun things. My favourite activities were definitely art therapy and gymnastics. I can’t wait for next year!" Esme P3, Dalry... well, watch this space! Jenna Devlin Pupils, teachers and parents at the top of the Mulloch Hill on the fundraising Children in Need Ramble. Farewell to Stronord Outdoor Centre We live in a time of constant change, throwing out the old and bringing in the new. But some changes are harder than others, and it is with great sadness that I report on the passing of Stronord Outdoor Centre, nee Stronord School. I have many connections with this place; as a former pupil of Minnigaff Primary School, several of my classmates moved from Stronord School, which closed in the 1960s. As a teenager, I would cycle from our farm at Low Blackcraig on warm summer evenings to play volleyball at Stronord with the other youngsters from nearby. I have used the centre as a Cub Leader with Minnigaff Pack. However, the biggest connection I have with Stronord is as a teacher at Dalry Secondary School. For all of the time I have been here, and many years before, p7 pupils of the Glenkens have gone on a two-day residential stay at Stronord. It has become a kind of rite-of-passage and, come cloud, sun, wind, midges or rain - or all of them - has always been a huge success. So many pupils have climbed the rock faces and cycled the trails of the Galloway Forest, enjoyed the fun of the playparks and the slopes of Cairnsmore; and at the heart of those trips was Stronord - two dorms, a kitchen and a social area. Not fancy, not bang-up-to-date, noticeably connected with its history as a country school. I know that so many pupils of my school and many others across the region will have happy memories of this place. Mine consist of ridiculous football matches with pupils in the grounds until darkness or midges drove us indoors. Evenings of entertaining youngsters with card tricks, charades, magic and general nonsense with not a hint of technology in sight. And so it was that Ruben, Olivia, Sandy, Isobel, Reece, Codie, Campbell, Sophie and Izak joined Mrs Acheson and me for our final trip. With perfect weather, we had a fantastic time, provided for by our instructors Mike, Alex and Ed. Self-catering for the first time Conquering Cairnsmore - 2018 P7 students, the last group of Glenkens students to visit Stronord Outdoor Centre. ever, as Carol our stalwart cook was not available, we tucked into pizza instead of roast chicken…for the first and last time at Stronord. The food tasted great, but with a bitter taste of sadness for me in knowing that we were the last group that would ever pass through those doors. RIP Stronord: Cause of death unknown, mourned by many hundreds of your sons and daughters. Paul Bannister, Teacher of Maths, Physics and many visitors to Stronord Glenkens Gazette The Best Job in the World page 18 by Paul Goodwin Well I thought that I had retired back in 2007; aged 54 and recovering from a heart procedure which included three stents. I cannot remember who delivered the message that “the school needs someone to look after their computers. You know about computers, don’t you?” Well, previous jobs including programmer, business/systems analyst and project manager hardly fitted me for the role of fixing PCs and printers; besides I was not looking for a full-time job. Well, it was only part time and less than a three-minute walk from home... it would be rude to refuse - so I gave it a shot. I must have done something right at the interview because I got the job. Although I ended my formal education at age fifteen and am not a teacher, I have always enjoyed the learning environment and have been an advocate of lifelong learning for very many years, often being a trainer and even teaching Accounting for four years in the ‘70s. Apart from learning the job, I soon discovered that there was a gap in after school activities, so with the Head Teacher’s encouragement I ran the Technology Club for nine years (ably assisted by pupil Emily Biggar in later years). I remain a STEM ambassador (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) and look forward to helping out with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in the Glenkens schools in the future if it falls within my experience. Paul Goodwin presenting the Goodwin Trophy to the I feel honoured team captain of the winning Goodwin House at the 2018 to have been sports day. permitted to contribute to a number of school honour of having a house named activities such as Remembrance after me. I was able to donate a assemblies, history projects, plaque for the house competition, Golden Time activities such as which suits my personal stamp collecting or rocks and vision where everyone has the minerals and just about anything opportunity to contribute to the to do with plants or gardening team’s success regardless of their along with taking photographs and abilities. videos of school events. I don’t Now that I have retired, I would suppose that they will miss my like to thank those members of awful jokes though. staff (you know who you are) who Perhaps the most amazing thing have encouraged me in developing that happened in my ten and a new skills in creative writing, half years was when they reothers who have put up with introduced the house system for my ineptitude when it comes to sports in the Secondary school anything artistic or skilful (I can recently. The pupils were asked to be downright dangerous with a suggest and then vote on names tool in my hands) and who overall for the two houses. They chose have helped to make this the best Mulloch (for the nearby hill) and job I ever had (and just about Goodwin (after me)! Even though the worst paid!). Truth be told, I was awarded the British Empire I would have done much of this Medal in the Queen’s birthday stuff for free and I look forward to honours list in 1983, nothing in contributing to life in the Glenkens my life has prepared me for the schools for some years to come. Abbas Rest Coffee Morning 29 September, Dalry Town Hall 10am-12noon Help towards raffle, bottle stall and baking for both stall and teas would be gratefully appreciated. Please contact Avril Brown on 01644 430 526 From Glenkens to Down Under Correction In the last issue of the Gazette, it mistakenly stated in the article ‘From Glenkens to Down Under’ that Overton Cottage would be for sale through Hewats. This is not the case - the cottage will be available through Helen Steele at Williamson & Henry, New Galloway. Glenkens Gazette page 19 Galloway Glens Scheme is Underway The Galloway Glens Scheme will be supporting more than 35 exciting and varied projects up and down the Ken/Dee valley in the coming five years, all looking to showcase our unique heritage and put the area ‘on the map’. The last two years have been spent planning and developing the scheme and five years of activity has now kicked off, a couple of projects are getting underway immediately and others will be starting soon. The scheme has six headline aims: - To better record and understand the Natural and Cultural Heritage of the area - To support sustainable communities through education and heritage skills training - To encourage people to visit the area and engage with the heritage - To improve access to the Natural Heritage of the area - To increase use and therefore sustainability of the community buildings in the area - To support the habitats and species of the area and mitigate negative environmental impacts. A series of launch events were held through July and, with additional staff shortly joining the Galloway Glens Team, levels of activity are increasing. One of the first recipients of funding was the Glenkens Red Squirrel Group. Another Glenkens-based activity also now underway is the LING project to make improvements to Garroch Estate walks & walled garden and the footpaths at New Galloway Golf Club. McNabb Laurie, Galloway Glens Team Leader, said: “The principle of a ‘landscape partnership’ scheme is that by undertaking a range of projects in a co-ordinated manner, you end up with real momentum which can lead to landscape- scale benefits. We have a range of projects that have derived from speaking to people and communities over the last couple of years and are excited to now be able to start getting things underway. Our thanks, as always, go to the Heritage Lottery Fund for their generous award and Dumfries & Galloway Council for their support.“ Nick Chisholm, Galloway Glens Project Officer, added: “Please keep an eye on our social media pages and the scheme website for details of what is taking place, and how you can get involved. We are confident the Scheme will be a great boost for the area, both for residents and visitors.” d Glenkens Gazette page 20 READING SIGNS OF OUR GAELIC PAST The first conference on Galloway’s Gaelic heritage is being staged in September, bringing together many of the leading experts in the field. “Galloway: Gaelic’s Lost Province” is a one-day event at the CatStrand, New Galloway, which will explore the contribution of Gaelic to the region’s heritage. The historical record is scant and there are many questions on how Gaelic came to be spoken in the area and how and when it died out, but the evidence on the ground is abundant. The names of farms and villages as well as natural features on the landscape are a rich legacy though the original Gaelic has often been overlaid and distorted by subsequent generations of Scots and English speakers. Michael Ansell, one of the conference organisers, has researched this place name heritage and the illustrations above are from his collection. He has identified the probable Gaelic origins of some of the farm names familiar on our roadsides - clockwise, from top left,: Achadh an teine (field of the fire) , Cnocan Liath (grey hillock), An Grianan (the sunny spot), Doire sheilich (willow wood), Carn iarach (lower cairn), Druim rais (shrubby ridge). Co-organiser, Professor Ted Cowan, who will chair the conference says: “This is an important event in the study of Galloway’s history. For many Scots, and others, Gaelic is associated with the Highlands and Islands while the place of Gaelic in the South West has long been overlooked, although the early Lords of Galloway were Gaelic speakers. We hope that this conference will start to redress the balance and reveal a clearer picture of the part Gaelic culture played in our past. Among the ten speakers are Dr Aonghas MacCoinnich of Glasgow University and Castle Douglasbased historian Alistair Livingstone. Dr MacCoinnich, who will describe what the historical record tells us about Gaelic culture in Galloway, says: “This is an important conference which will at last bring together the latest research on the extent of Gaelic in south west Scotland. I will be discussing the status of the Gaelic language and attitudes toward the language in Scotland during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries and why this might illuminate the comparative lack of evidence for the south west’’. Alistair Livingston will explore how Gaelic gave way to Scots and English. “There was no ‘death of Gaelic’ moment,” he argues. “The languages co-existed for two centuries but when Gaelic faded from use we lost a legacy of legend, poetry and folk history.” The full programme, which can be found at www.catstrand.com is attracting widespread interest and more than two thirds of the places have been taken up. Tickets for the day-long event (£30, students £20, including finger buffet lunch) can be purchased on the website or from 01644 420 374. The conference is sponsored by Gàidhlig Dumgal and Beltie Books. The Glenkens Men’s Shed A successful time has been enjoyed by the Glenkens Men Shed at the Shed Fest in Dalbeattie where Tom Plummer’s model boat won the best artefact award - well done Tom. Furthermore, the Shed received nominations at the VOSCARS (volunteer Oscars) ceremony, held at the Learning Campus in Dalbeattie, in the Health, Wellbeing and Sport in the Stewartry section. The sale of work at the CatStrand Craft Fair helped boost coffers to the tune of just over £100. Well done to everyone who helped out on the day! The Shed members would like to thank all those people who supported our bid from Bags of Help scheme organised by Tesco. It looks as though we came top in the public voting and as a result hope to be in receipt of a grant to further many of the improvements we have planned for the shed. Unfortunately it is with great sadness that we have to announce the loss of one of our founder members . Rob McLaughlin sadly passed away after falling ill at the shed. Our thoughts are with his wife Ann and his family at this sad time. Rob and his enthusiasm will be sorely missed by all the members. On a more positive note Stuart Rhodes is fully fit and back at the Shed as well as playing golf. Welcome back Stuart. Don’t forget if you want to be part of this exciting period in the Shed’s development new members are very welcome. Please contact Brian or Chris at the Catstrand 420374 or Tom Leach on 420 895. Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN Multicultural Scotland As the date of our Gaelic Galloway conference at the Catstrand approaches on 9 September, it is perhaps time to stress that Gaelic is not the only language and culture that played a significant part in our history. Robert Louis Stevenson once observed that it is the mark of the Scot of all classes “that he remembers and cherishes the memory of his forebears, good or bad, and there burns alive in him a sense of identity with the dead even to the twentieth generation”. Three hundred years earlier, George Buchanan asserted that the purpose of writing Scottish History was “to restore us to our own ancestors and our own ancestors to us”. Certain names, unmistakably Scottish, can be solemnly intoned in the nation’s proud role call of heroes and achievers — such as Stewart, Bruce, Wallace, Lindsay, Hay, Sinclair, Ramsay, Grant, Fraser, Gourlay, Menzies, Boswell, Barclay, MacLeod, Gunn, Lamont, MacLachlan, to name but a few. Yet every single name on this list indicates that the original founder of the family originated somewhere else, that the revered ancestors were not Scottish at all, but rather incomers. In strictly genealogical terms a surprisingly high proportion of us have come from ‘away’. Indeed, although historians have perhaps expended a disproportionate amount of ink upon clans and families, one of the main dynamos driving Scottish historiography since medieval times, has been the fortunes of ‘New Scots’ - those who were, and those who wished to be. It was a national conceit, as well as a total fabrication, that the Scots had originated in the vicinity of the Black Sea, travelling through the Mediterranean to settle in their land of choice, having driven out the Britons and destroying the Picts. Resisting attacks by Norwegians, Danes and English they supposedly lived free under 113 kings, “the line unbroken by a single foreigner”, until the death of Alexander III in 1286 and the outbreak of the Wars of Independence ten years later. In legend at least, the Scots, the people who gave their name to the country, were themselves incomers. The earliest inhabitants of Britain recorded in sources that can properly be distinguished as historical were the Britons. Like the Scots at Dunadd they favoured the occupation of naturally defensible outcrops and hills as at Dumbarton, Stirling, Edinburgh, Traprain Law in East Lothian and Trusty’s Hiil at Gatehouse. These were the people who claimed St Patrick, St Mungo, and King Arthur as their own. They were Welsh-speakers known to their kinsfolk in the south as ‘The Men of the North’. where they returned as Normans (Northmen) in the 11th century when the first of their number in Scotland fought alongside Macbeth as mercenaries at the battle of Dunsinnan. Later clans such as the MacQuarries, the MacKinnons and the MacMillans claimed the ancestry of Macbeth who, in their eyes, represented the last great Gaelic king of Scots, a challenge to the encroachment of centralising authority and a mirror of their own aspirations as supporters of the Lordship of the Isles in the 14th and 15th centuries. In the 11th century English asylum seekers fled William the Conqueror’s brutal conquest and, in particular, his devastation of the north of England. A chronicler related that farm houses and cottages throughout the south of Scotland were over-run with English refugees, “both men and maidens”, including Princess Margaret, who would become the queen of Malcolm III and whose name would be enshrined in a chapel at Edinburgh Castle and a ferry across the Forth. David I granted lands to vassals from his English estates acquired through marriage; one such was Robert Bruce who obtained Annandale, and another Walter who became Steward of David’s household and received grants in Renfrew and Kyle. They continued to come in successive reigns. I lived for 15 years in Canada and I consider Scotland cannot yet call itself a multicultural society. It is quite possible for Scots to live and die in our glen without encountering folk from different ethnic, racial or religious backgrounds. However, a beginning has been made. We in the south-west have depressing predictions about declining population and insufficient young to take care of the old. Scotland welcomes immigrants from the world and the rest of the UK, but the message is that those who wish to join us should leave their racist assumptions behind. Since we are all bairns of the World we have no time for them. Ted Cowan ...the Scots... who gave their name to the country, were themselves incomers. The Angles were a Germanic tribal people forced to migrate to a declining Roman Britain because, due to global warming, rising sea-water was inundating their settlements; some settled in the river valleys of the eastern Borders where they transformed the Brittonic place name Dineden into the more familiar Edwinsburh. Surnames begin to be used about 1300. The Angles had much in common with the Vikings, the dazzling sea-raiders, mostly Norwegian in Scotland’s case, who were driven out through pressure of population in the homeland where, quite simply, the people outstripped the resources necessary to maintain them. They settled mainly in Northern Scotland, maintaining a presence in Scottish waters for half a millennium. Their heroic exploits were preserved in poetry and saga, arguably the greatest literary achievements of medieval Europe. Some of the Vikings found their way from Orkney to Normandy from Glenkens Gazette page 22 The Great War: April-July 1918 In general, I have only included in this series of articles those men who are recorded on the four main civic memorials of Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Dalry and Kells. However, I feel that I must make an exception in the case of Nathan Henry. Nathan Major Henry was the son of police Sergeant Herbert Henry and his wife Matilda, and lived at St John’s Cottage, Dalry. He was born in Girthon (Gatehouse of Fleet) and was working as a gardener at Glenlee Park when he enlisted into the Kings Own Scottish Borderers in August 1917. Nathan was reported missing in action on 11 April 1918 and is buried at Pont-du-Hem Military Cemetery, La Gorgue, France. He was 20 years of age. His name does not appear on any Glenkens civic war memorial or in Gatehouse of Fleet, but he is recorded on the Dalry Town Hall Roll of Honour with a cross against his name denoting that he died. He also appears on the Dalbeattie school memorial and the Dalbeattie Town memorial. David McMillan was born in Carsphairn where his parents (Robert and Mary) were married. We know that in 1901 he was living in Cleurie, Carsphairn, but his parents later moved to Twomerkland Farm, Moniaive. David was working as a ploughman when he enlisted into the Cameron Highlanders in December 1915. He was declared missing in action on 18 April 1918 at the age of 31. He is listed on the Carsphairn and Glencairn (Moniaive) war memorials. James Hewitson was a steam engine road-roller driver when he enlisted in May 1915 in the Motor Transport section of the Army Service Corps. He was transferred to an Infantry Training Battalion in February 1917 and posted to the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment in France. He was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in 1917. James was born in Dalry, the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Thomson) Hewitson of Darsalloch, Kells. David married Euphemia Middleton in 1916 in Kilmarnock and his widow later moved to Barre, Vermont, USA. James was reported missing in action on 25 April 1918 at the age of 30. He is listed on the Kells parish war memorial. Matthew Maxwell Stewart (pictured) was born in New Galloway, the son of James and Janet (Smith) Stewart of Meadow View, New Galloway. He enlisted in February 1916 into the Kings Own Scottish Borderers and before that he worked in his father’s carting business. At some time, he was transferred to the Army Service Corps and then later to the Kings Own Royal Lancashire Regiment. Matthew was reported missing in action on 26 April 1918 at the age of 24 and is named on the Kells parish war memorial. Matthew’s brother William had died of his wounds in May 1915 and had been the first man from New Galloway to volunteer. George Hunter Buck was born in Carsphairn, the only son of William and Isabella (Hunter) Buck of Woodpark, Balmaclellan. Before the war he had been a gardener at Troquhain Gardens. George enlisted into the Cameronians in November 1915 and served at the Somme, Arras and Ypres, rising to the rank of Lance Corporal. He was wounded three times and was awarded the Military Medal. George died of wounds in the second Australian Casualty Clearing Station near St Omer on 22 July 1918 at the age of 24, and is buried in Longuenesse (St Omer) Souvenir Cemetery, France. George Buck is unique in being the only man to appear on two of the Glenkens war memorials, those in Balmaclellan and Carsphairn. Few photographs survive of those who died, and of those that do, many are poor, low-quality images from newspapers. For example, I have a photograph of George Buck but it is so poor that perhaps only his mother could recognise him. If you have any images that I have not included (or better ones) then I would welcome them to make sure that those who died are remembered the best that we can memorials@paulgoodwin.me.uk Paul Goodwin GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Glenkens Gazette page 23 Crockett’s Glimpses Of The Glenkens This, the fourth in the Glimpses series, focuses on The Duchrae. THE DUCHRAE “The farm I know best is also the loveliest for situation. It lies nestled in green holm crofts.” Crockett was born at Little Duchrae in 1859, and loved it all his life. He writes about it extensively in many of his novels and stories. It features in Covenanting stories and throughout history right up to his contemporary day. Over this time he fictionalises it as Black Dornal and Drumquhat. The stories give us a good insight into Crockett’s early life and the Glenkens as it was in the mid19th century. From his earliest personal memory he recalls: ‘It was a warm harvest day—early September, most likely —all the family out at the oats, following the slow sweep of the scythe or the crisper crop of the reaping-hook. Silence in the little kitchen of the Duchrae! Only my grandmother padding softly about in her list slippers (or hoshens), baking farles of cake on the ‘girdle,’ the round plate of iron described by Froissart. The door and windows were open, and without there spread that silence in comparison with which the hush of a kirkyard is almost company—the silence of a Scottish farmyard in the first burst of harvest.’ Beyond the gates of home we find Crae Hill where many of Crockett’s characters came to life: ‘Chiefly, however, I love the Crae Hill because from there you get the best view of the Duchrae.’ The trout spurt this way and that as your shadow falls on the water. With what a pleasant sound the wavelets ripple about your legs as you mount Auld Cairnsmore, the big granite bowlder in the middle. On rushes the Crae water with a little silvery waterbreak and a smooth glide over a stone which it has worn away till its head is beneath the surface. Then with three strides and half a jump you are on the pine-needles, and the resinous smell of the firs stings your nostrils. Verily it is good to be young and to taste these things. They are good to taste even if one is old.’ Of the range of stories to be found, my favourites are the 19th century Drumquhat tales. They show us the lives of the rural working class, not rose tinted, but with a definite rustic charm. They allow us to glimpse back at times long gone. The Duchrae features in stories in many of Crockett’s Galloway stories including The Men of the Moss Hags, Kit Kennedy, Love Idylls, Lads’ Love, A Galloway Herd and others. Cally Phillips For further information and insight into Crockett’s Galloway writing visit www.gallowayraiders.co.uk “I know a bank, where the wild thyme grows—with an infinitude of other things...” We also get a glimpse of the Crae Stepping Stones: ‘at Dan’s Ford, is the most practical and delightsome set of stepping-stones in the world, just tall enough for one to slip off and splash unexpectedly into the coolness of the water.’ Crockett describes it in more detail: ‘There are just ten stepping-stones big and little. You wade chin deep in the creamy spray of meadow sweet to get to them. Gowans tickle your chin as you turn up your trousers. THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY � 01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS � HIGHLAND BEEF from THE GLENKENS STEAK ROASTS MINCE CASSEROLE LORNE pre-pack frozen Blackmark Dalry Castle Douglas DG7 3UG 01644 460532 www.highland.scot Glenkens Gazette page 24 Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Georgina Smith with a gorgeous Glenkens sunset titled The Heart of Dumfries & Galloway. Georgina wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s Sunday carvery. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “The photograph is just gorgeous, and captures perfectly the beauty of a summer evening in the Glenkens.” How to Enter: any photos taken in the Glenkens can be entered - landscapes, wildlife, portraits, action shots... Email them to glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 25 Walled Garden Requires Friends Many local people will be familiar with Garroch Walled Garden, set within the Garroch Estate near Glenlee, Dalry. Work on the walled garden as part a community gardening project is part of the bigger ‘Exploring New Galloway’ project facilitated by Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING), which has received funding of £21,000 over a period of 5 years from the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP), with a further private donation of £2,000 also having been received. The GGLP funding can only be drawn down if there is match funding but this can be in kind, and can take account of volunteer time. So, the more volunteer hours put into the garden, the more money can be released from the funding. The project includes work at Garroch Estate, as well as at New Galloway golf course woods to improve, map and signpost footpaths. A fun morning was had at the walled garden when we had our first community gardening working group meet. A combination of basic tasks such as cleaning the bothy, weeding plants and bushes from the walls and strimming long grass in the car park were tackled. Volunteer Mick was disappointed that his strimmer was broken, and vowed to buy another as soon as possible, but he used the handtrimmers to tidy round the bothy. Meanwhile, placement student Lizzie did some ‘bracken bashing’ which apparently gets rid of bracken, an invasive species, more effectively than cutting it. The task also happens to be quite therapeutic. Pigs have now been released in a section of the garden, guarded by electric fencing, to root out and fertilise an area for vegetable patches. This could take several months; certainly in the time we were there working the pigs spent most of their time lazing around, keeping out of the heat in the shade of their shelter. The enthusiastic group of local volunteers interested in providing some TLC to the Walled Garden on the Garroch Estate has evolved following the public meeting at New Galloway Town Hall on 21 June. Details and plans of how the Walled Garden should be looked after are being discussed. If you would like to be part of this please contact us. The footpaths group had already been set up by Gerry Cinderby, who is involved with both the footpaths and the garden. He highlighted the economic benefits the projects could bring to the area by attracting tourists and long-distance walkers, and said: “We have a grant for materials, and landowner support, but need your help to make it happen – why not join us and have some fun in the process!” The broad remit of GGLP is to connect communities to their natural and cultural heritage. Having always welcomed visitors walking within the Estate, landowner Nick Roper-Caldbeck is fully supportive of the garden being adopted as a ‘community garden’, and he is keen to see it used for food production again. He remembers a time when three full-time gardeners were employed to tend it, and the produce was sent to be sold in Covent Garden via New Galloway Station at Mossdale. The walls of the garden have been standing for Weeding the wall at the Garroch Estate walled garden. approximately 100 years; the plans weren’t put down for building them until 1912. We are interested in finding out anything we can about its history. Do you have any memories, pictures, anecdotes, or documents relating to the Garroch walled garden which you would be willing to share? Contact has been made with various local horticulturalists and gardeners who are willing to offer advice and help with planning the garden. But we always need more hands on deck so please get in touch if you would like to get involved. Working groups currently meet at: Restoring Footpaths; golf course on Saturdays 10am1pm and Gardening at Garroch; walled garden or New Galloway Town Hall on Sundays 2.304.30pm, or Wednesdays 10am1pm (phone or email to check). To get involved with either project, or if you have any redundant garden tools you would like to donate, please contact Ros Hill on 420 632 or ros.hill@rathanhouse.me.uk Ros Hill, LING Glenkens Gazette page 26 AUGUST & SEPTEMBER JULY Sun 29, Bring a Picnic, Garroch Walled Garden, 2.30-5pm. All welcome. Contact Ros 01644 420632 for directions or lifts. Tue 31, EoS: David Hockney, 7.30pm, CatStrand AUGUST Sat 4, The Hot Seats, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sun 5, GTI Bus Trip: The Grand Estate Gardens, Penrith. See p6 Sun 5, Scottish Alternative Games, see ad below Fri 10, Glenkens ELC AGM, 11am, Glenkens Community Centre, see p7 Fri 10, Enigma Sessions with Frozen Shores + Mother Night, 8pm, Sulwath Breweries, Castle Douglas Thu 16, Let’s Motivate training course, open to all, 1.30pm, Cat- Strand, see p3 Fri 17, Song Sharing Sessions, 8-11pm, Dalry Town Hall Sat 18, Movie In The Park: The Perks of Being a Wallflower, 9.30pm, New Galloway Park Wed 22, FILM: Darkest Hour, 7.30pm, CatStrand Tue 28, EoS: The Impressionists, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 31, CatStrand Volunteers BBQ, see p3 Fri 31, Tricky Hat presents The Flames, 7.30pm, CatStrand SEPTEMBER Wed 5, FILM: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 7, Mary Ann Kennedy, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 8, Rhinns o' Kells Challenge Cup, meet at The Thistle, Dalmellington Square, for registration, 8am, see p14 Sat 8, Galloway Gaelic Conference: Gaelic’s Lost Province, CatStrand Fri 14, Amanda Anne Platt & the Honeycutters, 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Sun 16, GTI Bus Trip: The Lakeland Garden, Garlieston. See p6 Wed 19, FILM: Arcadia, 7.30pm, CatStrand Tue 25, FILM: EoS: Vermeer, 7.30pm, CatStrand Wed 26, Dougie Campbell Councillor Surgeries, 2-3pm, Catstrand; 3.30-4.30pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p12 Fri 28, Brian Molley Quartet, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 29, Abbas Rest Coffee Morning, 10am-12noon, Dalry Town Hall, see p18 OCTOBER Sun 6, GTI Bus Trip: The Botanic Garden, Edinburgh. See p6 Glenkens Gazette page 27 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Film Makers’ Club, Mon, 7-8.30pm Exercise to Music: Mon, 9.30-10am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time), 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris Dance 2: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time), 4.30-5.15pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, Mon, 68pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab, Mon (term-time), 7-8.30pm, ages 12-18 Start to Write, 1st Tues each month, 3-5pm (no Feb meeting) Animation Club, Tues, 4.30-6.30pm Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed, 2-3.30pm Continue to Write, 1st Wed each month, 3.15-5.15pm Music/Jam Youth Drop-in, Wed, 6-7pm & rehearsal/recording space available for booking from 7-9pm Writers’ Cafe, 2nd Thurs each month, 7-9pm Sing it Out, Thurs, 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes, Thurs, 1–3.30pm Yoga, Thurs, 6.30pm Zumba Gold, Fri (term-time), 9.3010.30am, CatStrand, 16+ Saturday Art Club, 2nd & 4th Sat of the month, 10am–12noon Glenkens Acoustic Sessions, last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, (contact Kath on 430 281): Paint & Art, Mon, 2-4pm GCC Playgroup, Tues, Wed & Thurs, 9.15-11.45am Guides, Tues, 6-8pm Brownies, Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts, Thurs, 79pm Thursday Craft Group, Thurs, 24pm Glenkens Children’s Club, Fri, 10am-12noon New Galloway Town Hall: LING Elevenses & Lunches, Tues, 11am-2pm Indoor Sports, Tues, 7-9pm Saturday Circuits, 5.30-6.30pm Zumba, Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, 11+ Saturday Circuits, 8-9am Various Locations: Hatha Yoga, Mon, 10-11.15am, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Mens Shed Mondays, 6.30pm, Balmaclellan Carsphairn Post Office, Tues, 1-3pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Dalry WI, 3rd Tues each month, 2pm, Dalry Town Hall (except Jun, Jul & Aug) Beavers, Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training, Tues & Thurs, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Mossdale Painters, Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Youth Writing, Thurs (during term time), 3.30-5pm, ages 10-15, Dalry School Balmaclellan Village Hall, Kettlebell Plus, Thurs, 7.30-8.30pm, starts 6 Sept Coffee & Craft, Fri, 9am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month, 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Bridge Hotel Scouts, Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. at Kells House. United Service with CHURCH TIMES bbq Choir, Balmaclellan Church, 30 Sept, CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sunday Services: Balmaclellan 9.45am: 1st. Balmaclellan 10.30am: 5th.Carsphairn 11.15am: 1st,2nd,3rd,4th. Dalry 9.445am: 2nd,4th. Kells 9.45am: 3rd. Special Services/Events: Hew ClarkKennedy VC Commemoration Service 27 Aug, 12noon, Carsphairn war memorial. United Family Service, Kells Church, 9 Sept, 10.30am followed by 10.30am Communion Services: 2 Sept, 9.45am, Balmaclellan Church SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed. CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Kirkcudbright: Sun Mass, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sat Mass, 5pm Gentle Tai Chi, Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall Golf Junior Coaching, Sat, 10-11: 30am, New Galloway Golf Course, see p8 Restoring Footpaths, Sat 10am1pm, phone 420 632 to confirm Junior Golf & Come-and-Try for all ages, Sat, 10am Gardening at Garroch, Sun 2.304.30pm or Wed 10am-1pm, phone 420 632 to confirm Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tuesdays 12noon-3.30pm Fridays 10am-12noon & 1-4.30pm For further library van stops and informa�on contact Castle Douglas ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 28 SUPPORT POSTIE'S FUNDRAISING RUN On Sunday 30 September, local postman Ian Oliver will be taking part in the Great Scottish Run, a 13.1 mile half marathon through Glasgow. Having previously raised money for Macmillan, RNIB, MIND, Paul O’Gorman Leukemia Research, Make a Wish Foundation and Together for Short Lives, this time Ian is raising money for the Beatson Cancer Charity based at the Gartnavel Hospital in Glasgow. Ian says: "As many of you know my wife Fiona was diagnosed with two forms of leukaemia at Easter, and has been a resident of the Beatson since then, undergoing chemotherapy in preparation for a bone marrow transplant sometime towards the end of July. Unfortunately many residents of the Glenkens have had firsthand experience, either as a patient or as a visitor, of the Beatson. The care and understanding they provide not only to all those battling various types of cancer, but also to friends and family of those there for treatment, is not only amazing but also very welcome. "The aim of the run is to help continue the provision of this extra care and support for the families affected. I will be putting out sponsor/donation forms and change boxes in local shops, and there will be a Just Giving page online - anything you can spare will be gratefully received. "I would also like to take this opportunity to urge everyone to consider not only giving blood, but also to be a bone marrow donor. If you are under 30, Anthony Nolan provide a register, and for those WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk OCT/NOV COPY DEADLINE: 5 SEPT Ian Oliver next to his post van. over 30 DKMS provide a similar service. All relevant information can be found online - by donating either, you would potentially be saving someone’s life." If you would like to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/Ian-Oliver5 Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.co.uk The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 107 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_107 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/252/GlenkensGazette106.pdf c692a637c9b242a257d2d32d07475c87 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 106 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE News from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry June/July 2018 ISSUE 106 FREE CLACHAN INN WINS PUB OF THE YEAR AWARD The Clachan Inn continues to scoop awards, being named best pub in the region. It was no easy task as the competition was strong. The Clachan Inn was voted Overall Dumfries & Stewartry Winner and Stewartry Area Winner Campaign for Real Ale at the CAMRA Pub of the Year Awards 2018. The Clachan isn’t a stranger to recognition, having received CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) awards in 2014 and 2016. As a result of the hard work and dedication of owners Laura Burnie and Phil Papworth, along with a committed team of staff, they have now accomplished the overall award. Laura said: “We’re thrilled; really delighted. We’re just trying to make the place a fun and relaxing community hub by serving great food and craft Clachan Inn owners Phil Papworth and Laura Burnie at the front with Trevor Hayward from CAMRA © Phil Robinson. beers. Our gin range also goes down well too!" I can vouch for this as I write and dine there - may their success continue. Congratulations Laura and Phil! Ian Patrick GLENKENS TAXI SERVICE The Glenkens is set to get better connected with a new taxi service coming into operation. T&C Taxis of Dalmellington is proposing to operate a Glenkens taxi service. From 1 July, a taxi will be dedicated to the Glenkens, available for journeys from contracted school taxi services to fast food delivery or running you and your mates home from the pub. Company owner Jim Ireland says: "I’ve been considering a taxi service in this area for a while. I now have a car free, and as I already have the relevant licencing to operate in the area, it seems like a good time to try it out." To get in touch with T&C Taxis, either to find out more about the Glenkens service or to book the taxi, call 01292 550 100. T&C Taxis have vehicles and drivers licensed to operate in East Ayrshire (Sub Zone South) and Dumfries and Galloway (Sub Zone Stewartry Area). They are currently looking for A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve drivers for both areas – please get in touch with Jim Ireland by text for further details - 07747 466 835. www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 Connecting in Communities Celebrates The Connecting in Communities (CiC) project celebrated its first birthday in May. The project, which is funded by LEADER and the Big Lottery is a three-year community enhancement programme aimed at the Glenkens. Run by Brian Jones and Chris Jowsey, based at CatStrand, CiC has something for everyone and offers a wide ranging variety of events and activities. To answer the time-honoured question of “what have the Romans ever done for us” here is a synopsis of what we have achieved in the last year: The Men’s Shed and Uke Band go from strength to strength, with growing membership and around £1000 raised for various charities from our frequent gigs. We’ve run 1st Aid, Food Safety and Tablets courses and on the health and wellbeing front we’ve added biweekly Fitness Training and evening Yoga to the existing Pilates, Yoga, Zumba and Tai Chi sessions. On the music front the Singing group continues to thrive, Beginners Ukes are strumming nicely, Rocktober blew the top off the auditorium and everyone had a hoot at the Day-Time and Fancy Dress Discos. For the creative amongst us, there are now two writing groups and a monthly writer’s café, plus the artistic Rekindling Creativity sessions, Margaret Morris Movement, Knit and Blether and the quarterly Afternoon Tea Club film shows. On a more serious note though, CiC has also been building partnerships with a number of local and national organisations. We’re working with Sam Rushton from New Galloway Community Enterprise, Grace and Debz from Sleeping Giants and supporting LING (Local Initiatives in New Galloway) by outsourcing activities to the Town Hall. CiC works with Third Sector D&G and on a number of projects and D&G Council on various Health and Wellbeing initiatives. We also work with Age Scotland, various D&G Day Centres and Friendship Groups and the Crichton Campus Care Project is using CiC as a potential model for wider roll-out. More recently we are working with Better Lives Partnerships to explore possibilities for young adults on the Autistic Spectrum and we must say thanks to the Music for All Charity and John Douglas music who have provided the Beginners Ukes instruments and equipment. Looking to the future, CiC is working with Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership on developing the Old Smiddy in Balmaclellan as a heritage hub and CatStrand annex. This will provide an additional multi-use venue, space for young people, modern IT facilities, library and potentially a small recording studio. Waiting in the wings we have the Volunteers Night and Umbrella Party, Art Classes, Grease 40th Birthday showing, Line dancing, Community Cooking (in Dalry), Games Afternoons, the Tricky Hat “Flames” and another Rock Night. Want to know more or get involved? Brian and Chris can be contacted on 01644 420374 or by email brian@catstrand.com or chris@catstrand.com CiC and CatStrand rely heavily on volunteers to support the plethora of events and activities that go on, if you have time to spare and something to offer please get in touch, we’d love to have you onboard. Do you have an idea, comment or complaint? Look out for our Wishing Trees which will be appearing during June at various locations for you to give us your thoughts and feedback, we’d really like to hear from you! Chris Jowsey, Volunteer & Participation Officer, GCAT MIDSUMMER POETRY Acclaimed poet Stuart Paterson will lead a Midsummer Poetry Walk starting from Balmaghie on Saturday 23 June from 11.30am to 3pm. The walk begins in the area where the Galloway Viking Hoard was found. Along the way, Stuart will encourage participants to make a poetic response to the landscape and its story. This event follows on from last year’s Poetry Walk from Dalry to Waterside, led by Tom Pow. He cites that walk in his afterword to Allan Wright’s recent book of Galloway photographs, saying how he considers "Galloway to be a participatory landscape rather than one of spectacle." He also talks about the sense of adventure he finds in the landscape and the poignancy of its history: this land too is rucked with the bones and blood guide books never chart History will, no doubt, be much in the minds of this year’s writer-walkers. Dr David Bartholomew, who was present when the Galloway Viking Hoard was discovered and has some interesting theories about its origins, hopes to join the folk enjoying the midsummer richness of Balmaghie on this gentle twomile walk. Just 15 places are available - book now at www.catstrand.com or call 01644 420 374. Balmaghie Kirk yard Glenkens Gazette One Hundred Years a Hero The Carsphairn Heritage and Craft Centre celebrates the centenary year since the end of the First World War with an exhibition entitled One Hundred Years a Hero. Featuring William Hew Clark Kennedy who, 100 years ago, was one of 627 soldiers who were awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration, the exhibition tells how he received the medal for valour whilst leading the 24th battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Forces in late August and early September 1918. William fought in France during the war and it was only after he was severely wounded following his action at the Battle of Arras that he returned to England. His VC citation details his bravery and leadership in leading his troops in a successful advance. The Clark Kennedy family and the local community are delighted that a Government-sponsored centenary memorial stone will be erected at Carsphairn war memorial on Monday 27 August. The stone laying ceremony will be followed by a service in the village church and a reception in Lagwyne Hall. After a successful and wellreceived pilot scheme last November page 3 and December, the centre is now displaying the work of local crafts people. There’s a wide range of contemporary and heritage crafts for sale, all of which are handmade in the Glenkens area. The Heritage and Craft Centre is open until Sunday 30 September between 10am and 4pm every Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday. From Thursday 5 July to Monday 27 August inclusive, the centre will be open every day apart from Tuesday and Wednesday. Visit www.carsphairn.org/ heritagecentre for further details. Top: William Hew Clark Kennedy VC. Above: Karen Hall, who chairs the Carsphairn Heritage Group, casts an eye over the One Hundred Years a Hero exhibition. ARNDARROCH OPEN GARDEN The garden at Arndarroch will be opened to the public on Sunday 29 July. Organising the event are the Dumfries & Galloway Canine Rescue, who will receive 60% of the proceeds, with the remainder going to the Carsphairn Church Fabric Account which funds repairs and maintenance to the church. The garden at Arndarroch has been developed from the hillside over the last 27 years. The whole garden is wildlife friendly including the numerous rabbits. Many birds find nesting places in the trees and shrubs whilst others are helped by unusual nest ‘boxes’. Garden waste material is used in the woodlands to provide homes for many mammals and countless smaller creatures. There is a good collection of herbaceous perennials, trees and shrubs - some rare - and seats are available so that one can sit and savour the magnificent views. Entrance to the gardens is £3.50 for adults and free for children aged 16 and under. Children enjoy the space and the intriguing corners of the garden, and there will be a puzzle for them to do with a prize if they find all the answers. Teas (and home baking) are £2.50 and there will be the usual excellent plant stall and, for the first time, colourful, decorative and useful patchwork items for sale. The garden is open from 2 to 5pm. Dogs on leads are welcome. Arndarroch is on the B7000 five miles from Carsphairn and Dalry. Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk VARIOUS needs mending. Also mattress if wanted. Contact: 01644 430218 2 children’s wooden beds with mattresses, size 2ft 6inchs by 5ft 6inches, good condition. Contact: 01644 450 265 Lovely old piano. A beautiful sounding piano in its day and could be again. Free and ready for collection now. Contact: Dave on 01644 420 211 Microwave, Morphy Richards. Good working order. Contact: Davie on 430446 Lovely girl's four-poster single bed, white painted wood, one post Single bed and mattress with two pull-out drawers underneath. Contact: 01644 430218 FOLLOW THE WATER, FEEL THE BURN... In this issue I will mostly be following burns and looking for waterfalls. After a rather cold and dismal start to the year the sun is finally shining on this corner of the world. The bright green leaves and flowers of spring have cheered the place up considerably; the blackthorn and gorse have put on a particularly good display this year. There are plenty more still to come: the ash has barely begun to put its leaves out while the hawthorn and crab apple trees have yet to flower. All things considered it is an excellent time to get your boots on and get out into the hills. The tricky bit is always deciding where to start and where to head. The Glenkens are blessed with a large number of beautiful burns that feed into Loch Ken and following them either up to or down from their source can make for a very pleasant journey of discovery. Some burns tumble steeply down from the high hills, whilst others meander slowly through rolling moors or along the marshy glen floors. The longer ones tend to flow through a variety of scenery so you never know what is around the bend. Burns tend to be situated away from the roads, which makes for peace and quiet, although there are many places where you can see them from your car and stop to admire them. Often you will find that you can’t see any houses or other manmade structures, nor hear any traffic noise, just the birds. At the moment that means especially the skylark which is busily advertising its presence. In areas that have been cleared for pasture trees tend to survive by the sides of the burns, for where the water has cut down into the rock and left steep banks it is harder for the sheep and cattle to graze the tasty young saplings. Farmers also tend to build fences and dykes away from the water’s edge to stop their beasts from falling into the water. This means Dynamic Domestic For all your cleaning requirements HIGHLAND BEEF from THE GLENKENS STEAK ROASTS MINCE CASSEROLE LORNE pre-pack frozen Blackmark Dalry Castle Douglas DG7 3UG 01644 460532 www.highland.scot local, reliable & friendly staff fully insured competitive rates now taking new clients in the Glenkens & Stewartry area Call Victoria on 07516599103 www.dynamicdomestic.co.uk WANTED Wardrobe/chest of drawers and any old lawn mowers/garden machinery (any condition). Contact: Steve on 07845 562 217 We are looking for someone who has the patience and skill to paint an egg and dart frieze in the entrance hall as the final step in our long and arduous house renovation. Contact: Dave on 01644 420 211 that following the burn gives you the best chance of the shade that trees cast, should the sun continue to shine. The cool damp atmosphere also encourages luxuriant growth of mosses, lichens and ferns that give some burns a truly magical feel. For me though, the best reason to follow burns is to find rocks and waterfalls and pools. There are quite a number of waterfalls in the Glenkens; some are fairly well-known, such as the Holy Linn near Dalry. Others can be found on the Ordnance Survey maps. But many remain to be discovered while out wandering, overlooked for whatever reason by the mapmakers. Where there are waterfalls there are normally pools, so if the sun continues to shine and you’re feeling brave, don’t forget your swimmers! Happy hunting... The Galloway Hermit Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry Licensed convenience store and newsagent stocking a range of local suppliers including Corsons and Irvings Bakers, Ballards and Dalmellington Country Butchers and Mitchells Fruit and Veg. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by NUTS ABOUT CRAB APPLES Dear Galloway Hermit, I share your love of ancient crab apples. And we are not alone. Back in autumn 2017, I received a request from Rick Worrell, a Perthshire researcher - did we have any crab apple trees in Galloway? My answer, of course, was YES, there are lots here. Say more? Rick is hugely enthusiastic about wild crab apple trees, and realised that because they occur sporadically rather than being a dominant woodland tree, they tend to get forgotten by UK forest policy. So he set out to survey Scotland’s maligned native forest apples, and prove that they are not just a recent garden escapee. Rick was looking for leaf samples - just one leaf from each tree, in a plastic bag, with silica crystals. DNA analysis would indicate their genetics… are they cross-bred with sweet orchard apples, or are they the genuine wild apples, long-lived trees with scented blossom and small tart fruit? Was this a wild goose chase, or more of a bear hunt (after all, didn’t bears, wild boar and wild cattle originally eat the fallen fruit and spread apple seeds)? I emailed a few friends locally to ask could they help - could they send me some crab apple leaves - so I could give them to Rick and his colleague James Renny during their flying visit to Galloway. To my surprise, my request went viral and I received more than 60 leaves from people who had gathered a leaf from trees across the region (luckily, just before the first frost). It turns out that many, many folk in Galloway are nuts about crab apples. Then, in February 2018, Rick returned to Galloway with the results. How exciting. The DNA analysis (by Marcus Ruhsum at Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh) showed that most (more than 75%) of the Galloway crab apple samples are native Scottish forest apples. The graph shows just how native - the length of the green line shows how wild the DNA is (anything that is half-and-half is a recent hybrid). Galloway is truly at the core of our crab apple universe. It's one of the most crab-apply places in the UK (there are lots in the Lakes, too). If you want to find out more, visit www.reforestingscotland.org/ wordpress1/wordpress1/wp-content/ uploads/2017/09/Worrell-CrabApple.pdf for the article Rick Worrell wrote last year for Reforesting Scotland; he’ll write another this autumn which will include the results of the Galloway research. We’re hoping, that as a result of the interest shown in the talk at the Ken Bridge, that perhaps someone will start a native crab apple nursery in the region, stocked with regional crab apples. And it’d be interesting to learn more about cows-andapples - are many of the crab apple trees in old cow-pastures? Don’t the apple seeds germinate perfectly in cowpats? Is ‘apple wooded pasture’ (cattle-grazed open woodlands and scraggy parks) part of the story, an old Galloway tradition? Mas, SWANC How native are the crab apple trees of Galloway? The length of the green line illustrates how ‘wild’ (sylvestris) the crab apple DNA is. This research was carried out by Rick Worrell and James Renny using DNA science by Marcus Ruhsum (Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh) on samples gathered during autumn 2017. Glenkens Gazette page 6 Glenkens Gazette page 7 NEW GALLOWAY GOLF CLUB With the change of the clocks, New Galloway Golf Club swung into its summer season. The course is in superb condition and ready to receive all visitors who wish to play. The club is offering golf coaching to the local community and anyone who would like to try the game can telephone the club or come along to the course on Saturday mornings when arrangements will be made to suit individual circumstances. The club's coaches are now also busy coaching junior golfers, both in the schools during the week and at the course on Saturday mornings. The Saturday junior coaching is from 10 to 11:30am. The club is grateful to the Glenkens Charity Shop for their generous grant to purchase sets of junior golf clubs, which enables them to provide the equipment to those who come along without clubs. Ian Brown Coaches with some of the junior golfers, sporting the new clubs purchased with funding from the Glenkens Charity Shop, prior to the first session of the season. RECENTLY AWARDED ‘CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR 2018’ - three changing cask ales & cider - fresh, seasonal & local food - open all day every day - award-winning food, beer & atmosphere - en-suite accommodation - 20% off takeaway discount - country sport & walkers facilities - 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk Follow us on facebook and twi�er and make sure to sign up for our newsle�er - see website for details… www.gallowayglens.org Glenkens Gazette page 8 COMMUNITY BALMACLELLAN COUNCIL NEWS COMMUNITY COUNCIL ELECTIONS On 26 April the remaining elected members of Balmaclellan Community Council informed co-opted members and local residents that the Community Council had been dissolved. This was due to the number of elected members falling below the threshold of five as a result of recent resignations. The ex-Community Councillors were keen to re-establish quickly and 20 signatures have already been collected and submitted In the next few months D&G Council are expected to approve a new Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils and all community councils will be expected to sign up to this. to D&G Council with a view to starting this process. Joann Scott has confirmed the intention to put a notice in the Galloway News on Thursday 31 May announcing the Balmaclellan Community Council election. The date of the poll will be Thursday 19 July and the nomination period will be open from 31 May to 21 June. There are nine council vacancies to be filled and members of Balmaclellan parish are encouraged to put themselves forward for what could be a very exciting time in the parish’s development. A good cross-section of the community will ensure healthy debate over a variety of issues surrounding the future role of community councils. Community councils are likely to have new responsibilities as ‘Participatory Budgeting’ increasingly gives local people a real say over how budgets are spent. Sanquhar Academy has led the way with giving young people the chance to determine how windfarm benefit monies are spent locally. Another exciting reason for people to stand is to ensure that young people and those on low incomes can help shape new and more effective ways of involving all sectors of local communities. Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 9 CatStrand Highlights It is summer season and CatStrand is branching out over the coming months to bring more events right into your village. Summer is arguably our busiest time of year in terms of tourists and visitors, and this means loads of festivals, shows and activities all over the region. Rather than compete with these fantastic events, we tend to ease off over July and August and take time to fix those shingles and recharge those batteries for the busy autumn and winter to come. HOWEVER...we still have a packed summer brochure and loads of amazing shows over June and July in particular. June sees the 39th Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival getting under way and, as usual, CatStrand has a wide mixture of shows from raucous Scots trad band Elephant Sessions (Sat 26 May) through to conceptual dance from Sixfold (Fri 1 Jun) which also features the sublime talents of our Choreo Skills Lab youth dance group. Redbridge Arts bring us the interactive musicological play Turntable (Sat 2 Jun) and then we have performance and improvised poetry from Hannah Lavery & Jenny Lindsay (Sun 3 Jun). We’re delighted to be sponsoring Dalry Film Club for their next season of films which starts with The Greatest Showman (PG) on Wed 6 Jun (note the change of date from our brochure) with more to follow in the autumn. Young Scottish multi-instrumentalist and singer Kirsty Law brings her highly acclaimed Young Night Thought concert to CatStrand on Thu 22 Jun, lauded by the likes of Karine Polwart and the Scotsman Kirsty is ably supported by pedal harpist Esther Swift (Twelfth Day) and drummer Owen Curtis (Pictish Trail). Before we have time to catch breath, the hugely talented Kinny Gardner will be rolling into CatStrand for his innovative puppet theatre show Cinder-ella which is FREE (Fri 22 Jun, 10.30am) and suitable for ages 4–8. For a change of scene, why not join BBC Poet in Residence Stuart Paterson on the rearranged Ken Words Poetry Walk & Picnic to Balmaghie (Sat 23 Jun). We’re delighted to be continuing our Exhibition on Screen films over the summer and what better for June than Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse [U] (Tue 26 Jun). If classical music is more to your taste, then the virtuosic Tee Trio are performing a vibrant programme of Smetana, Tailleferre, Mendohlssohn and Schubert (Fri 29 Jun). July veers course once again Markus K with the enigmatic American blues fusionist Markus K (Fri 13 July) doing his now world renowned oneman band show. Of course, summer wouldn’t be summer without a comedy show and if you liked Mark Nelson you’ll LOVE the new toast of Scottish comedy Ashley Storrie who brings her Adulting show here on Sat 21 July. Loved by Dawn French and a regular on Breaking the News, she won The Sun’s Best Scottish Performance of 2017. Don’t miss it. Looking ahead, we’re delighted to have the likes of Kiki Dee (Fri 16 Nov), Kris Drever & Boo Hewerdine (Sat 13 Oct), Miles Hunt (Thu 29 Nov), and Mary Ann Kennedy (Fri 7 Sept) on the eve of our first ever Galloway Gaelic Conference (Sat 8 Sep). Tickets are available for all these shows now... OUR NEW SUMMER BROCHURE IS OUT NOW! So make sure to grab yourself a copy... The CatStrand Team Community Engagement News Well, it’s certainly been a busy and exciting time in New Galloway over the last few months. There has been so much been going on and Community Engagement projects are really beginning to take shape. A drop-in session was held in New Galloway Town Hall offering advice on topics such as 'How will the introduction of Universal Credit affect me?' and 'How can I use my digital device to access housing?'. We also had the Citizens Advice Bureau offering consultations. The information was greatly appreciated by those who attended and people commented that they now feel better prepared to manage the changes that are being made to the benefit system very soon. We aim to have more opportunities like this in the future, so do let me know what subjects you would like to learn more about. During the month of June 'Wishing Trees' will appear around the New Galloway and Kells parish. These are beautiful trees on which you are invited to write your ‘wish’ for our community. We need your help to make them blossom! We hope this joint initiative between Connecting in Communities, Local Innitiatives in New Galloway (LING) and the Community Engagement Worker will help us really understand what people want to see happening in New Galloway and Kells. In other news, we held our second Glenkens Business Network meeting at The Smithy Tearooms in April. This fantastic event has provided local businesses with the opportunity to get together and find ways to support each other. A Facebook group has been created - Glenkens Business Network - to keep us in touch and maintain support beyond the meetings. Any local businesses (large or small) from around the Glenkens are welcome to join us at our next meeting on Thursday 7 June 6pm at The Smithy or request to join the Facebook group. Finally, I am launching a series of women’s activity sessions at the Galloway Activity Centre, where we have been given the chance to try some of the activities on offer, have some fun and meet other people. We are hoping to arrange a monthly session between June and September. To find out more or make suggestions, please contact me on 07741 656 601. Sam Rushton, Community Engagement Worker, New Galloway Glenkens Gazette page 10 FLASH FICTION COMPETITION Are you a writer? Do you enjoy flash fiction? Well get writing! Each issue the Glenkens Gazette will run a flash fiction competition for short sories (under 450 words), with a different subject each time. This issue’s subject is ‘Time’. Rules: It must be your own work. It must be no more than 450 words. It must be Fiction. Minimum age of entry 12 years with no maximum age limit. It must include a separate 50 words about yourself and what inspired your story. The winning entry will be published in the next issue of the Glenkens Gazette, including an online presence on the Gazette website, Facebook and Twitter. Entries will be judged by local author Ian Patrick, and the winner will receive a £10 Amazon voucher to spend on a book of their choice. What have you got to lose? Email entries to glenkens gazette@hotmail.co.uk by the 5 July 2018. The judge's decision is final and no late entries will be accepted. The winner of the April/May Flash Fiction Competition is Paul Goodwin with The Flitting Cart (printed below). About the Author: I am now exceedingly close to drawing my state pension and in my fiftieth year in paid employment. I have done bookkeeping, accounting and worked with computers – now it is time for my artistic side to escape… THE FLITTING CART I started life in 1914 in Edinburgh – my master who built me would ‘flit’ families from place to place in the dead of night leaving the rent owing; but I would carry all their worldly goods to their new (secret) home. Then my master went off to the war in France. His wife (my mistress) would look after me and do the odd ‘flit’ but fewer after the rent strikes because this meant that the new law in the winter of 1915 froze the rents to make them affordable. Then came the day of the telegram, my mistress screamed, then beat me, then ignored me for a whole year, my master would not be coming home. I waited in the yard, in the rain. My second life began when my mistress’s son (young master) dragged me out of the yard, cleaned me up and painted his name proudly on the side. I had never had a name. Instead of skulking around in the dead of night, I now paraded proudly from the market to the theatre area to sell fruit to the theatre goers. Eventually war came again, the young master went off to war, and I was taken from Edinburgh to Glasgow at the time of the blitz to be a fire cart. I was not badly damaged like many of the other carts I saw, but not well cared for either. After the war I returned to Edinburgh with faded paint and was relieved to see that the young master had returned safe from the war. I was kept in a shed as the young master (now older) had bought a war surplus van to continue his trade with fruit and veg. One day a neighbour needed to move house but could not afford to hire a van. I was pressed into service for an old-fashioned moonlight flit. The young girl of the house made a sign ‘flitting cart’ and pinned it over the faded ‘fruit seller’ and ‘fire cart’ signs. Afterwards, word got around and I was often borrowed for moonlight flits (silent you see - no engine). One day, when I could not fit down a close, I was abandoned on a ‘midden’. After moldering there for many a year, I was found by a young conservation student and brought back to life in evenings whilst he studied at university. Just before he graduated, he gave me to his professor and asked her to make good use of me. This is how I came to be serving out my days, sitting here in this museum. It’s been an interesting life! Glenkens Gazette page 11 Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Vikki Dempster with a seasonal shot of a Balmaclellan robin gathering food for its young. Vikki wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s Sunday carvery. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “There were, as always, some lovely photos submitted this issue, but the winner this time is the Robin with a beak full of insects to feed its young - indicative of summer and the nesting season.” Glenkens Gazette page 12 KNOCKENGORROCH COMES TO CATSTRAND Knockengorroch visited the Catstrand in April with fantastic performances from Josie Young and Pablo Lafuente, winners of the BBC 2 Young Folk Awards 2017. They brought guest players Signy Jacobsdottir (percussion) and Innes White (guitar). Also playing were Morag Brown and Lewis Powell-Reid. A wine and nibbles reception started the evening with a brief history of the festival and its importance to the local area. A short film backed up the speech and then it was the turn of the music. The unsurpassed musical talent of all the singers and musicians entertained an eager crowd, and showed how folk music is very much alive and well in the region and throughout Scotland. With Knockengorroch World Ceilidh festival happening 24-27 May at Knockengorroch Farm, Carsphairn, this evening of music and song went down a treat to whet the appetites of many who will be attending. Thanks to the CatStrand for hosting and Dumfries & Galloway Regional Arts fund. Josie Young & Pablo Lafuente © I Patrick Photography From Glenkens to Down Under From 4 to 40 degrees, midgie bites to snake bites, sand to snow... and back again... Scotland vs Australia; not rugby but a change of life. Rolling green landscape, Corbetts and lochs, whisky and snow-covered landscapes versus a flat, barren, red dusty oven with animals that will kill you at every turn... Why were we going back?! Within hours of landing at Perth (Western Australia not Perthsire) I had seen the azure blue sea lapping white sandy beaches in numerous small coves on the way to Geraldton and our friend’s bath temperature swimming pool with floating chair and an ice cold beer! The penny had dropped, I had forgotten what everyday life was all about. We emigrated to Australia back in 2008. Melbourne was our first port of call followed by a campervan tour of the east coast. Being avid scuba divers we were in and out of the ocean throughout our trip. Sydney, too busy. Cairns, too hot. Brisbane, too Brisbaney, but we did listen to humpback whale songs whilst diving which was very cool. Melbourne, we decided, was the place to be. Three years in Melbourne, home of Neighbours, saw us become advanced cave divers and owners of Mackenzie the dog, who you may see in New Galloway (now adopted, thank you Paul - we are forever in your debt). With itchy feet again, we hooked up the camper trailer and headed west across the Nullabor desert via Esperance, Fremantle (for six months) to our final destination of Geraldton, 500 kilometres north of Perth and the last city (large town) until Darwin some 3740 kilometres away. Three years in Geraldton, (you may notice a pattern here) saw the arrival of Thomas William Pardoe to our family and the purchase of our new house by the beach. Itchy feet again or was it the fact that Mark wanted to wear a jumper and coat again? We decided to move to Scotland. Overton Cottage, New Galloway became our home for … you guessed it, three years! Glorious Scotland, beautiful New Galloway. Castles and Corbetts, snow and clear, crisp Winter skies; Spring bringing its beautiful flowers strolling through the bluebell woods and making dens. Summer bringing occasional blue skies, lots of midgies and rain but long holidays for visits abroad to Cyprus and France. Amazing Autumn with the stunning colour changes and crisp leaves for stomping in. We had missed these changes in seasons and opportunities for spending time with family and friends. We found work and made friends, being welcomed into the local community. Thomas started playgroup and nursery and transitioned to school. We tried to throw a stuffed sack over a raised bar with a pitchfork and chased a round metal thing around the park. Even raced snails! Diversity at its best! Hedgerow brewing became a happy pastime with cider being a speciality (we hope Mark didn’t poison anyone). Walks around beautiful lochs, mountain biking that sometimes ended at the pub, golf, pilates and the Otter Pool. We even managed to pursue our scuba diving in the Isle of Whithorn. Visits to CatStrand, The Smithy and beyond the Glenkens to Cream of Galloway, Cally Palace and further afield to Ayrshire and Glasgow, along with a few trips up and down the M6. Above all else, wonderful new friends to share it all with. But the three-year hourglass was running out of sand and the sun, beach and warm sea was calling us back. After much deliberation and weighing up the pros and cons, we decided to pack Heather, Mark and Thomas up Overton Cottage and put it up for sale (on the market through Hewats if anyone is interested...). Our house, here in Geraldton, has won the day. 400 meters from the beach and a 20-minute cycle along the shore of the Indian Ocean to the centre of town. Everything within a 10 minute car ride. Weekends away to Monkey Mia feeding wild dolphins and kayaking trips along the coast to see turtles, eagle rays and baby sharks. Emus walking about and baby kangaroos chasing their mothers across the road. Playing golf in shorts. Camping on the beach, scuba diving in the warm water and surf life-saving for Thomas. We loved our time in the Glenkens but warm weather wins the day! For the time being anyway – who knows where we might be three years from now … Thank you New Galloway for having us and making us feel so welcome. Our door is always open for any intrepid Glenkens travellers who feel the call of distant shores and sunny climes...take a look, a world away, at www.visitgeraldton.com.au Mark, Heather and Thomas Pardoe Glenkens Gazette Local Organisations in the Glenkens Over the next few issues of the Glenkens Gazette we will look at some of the many community groups and organisations in the Glenkens. In this issue, let’s find out a little more about the Dalry Community Properties Trust (DCPT). DCPT was formed in September 2015 to take over the Glenkens Community Centre from Dumfries & Galloway Council. We are a registered Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO). Our purpose is to look after the Community Centre building in Dalry for its users (eg the Children’s Playgroup), and any other properties the trust may later own. We are looking to acquire the former council depot for the benefit of the Town Hall and the people of Dalry, and have now formed a working group to take this community project forward. There is also the possibility of obtaining the rough ground between Underhill and the B7000 for a community-lead development - we are interested to hear the communities views on potential uses. There are currently six DCPT Trustees; however, we would welcome those interested to come and join us. Please contact DCPT chair, Andi Holmes, on andiholmes@hotmail.com page 13 Dalry Town Hall Song Sharing Sessions The Town Hall's lovely space and acoustics have made it a very enjoyable venue for the first of what will hopefully become regular (monthly or bi-monthly) gatherings. Bringing together folks from the Glenkens, Moniaive and Laurieston keen to share a song or a tune without forcing their voices against background noise, the event was a resounding success. Around twenty singers and ‘sing-alongers’ sat around in a friendly circle, some with musical instruments (from egg shakers to double bass). Refreshments could be brought, or obtained from the Clachan, and hot drinks could be made in the kitchen. More such sessions have been warmly requested, and two forthcoming Song Sharing evenings will take place in Dalry Town Hall from 8-11pm on Friday 20 July and Friday 17 August. More info phone or text Anne (07846 252 848), Blue (07934 361 526) or David (07999 871 001). Anne Chaurand Glenkens Gazette page 14 Elephant in the Room Ignored by an opinion piece by Stuart the Big Battalions Littlewood, New Galloway The scheme to upgrade the GlenleeTongland power line continues to infuriate local people and trample their wishes. At a packed meeting in Laurieston SPEN were told again, in no uncertain terms, that switching the pylon route from the east side of Loch Ken to the west was wrongheaded and indefensible. Following earlier public concerns the Scottish Government has insisted SPEN considers undergrounding. SPEN is reported saying it will "investigate all alternative options" and instruct an independent consultant "to fully scope out" opportunities for undergrounding stretches of the line where appropriate. The main stakeholders (that's us who live and work here) seem agreed that SPEN should stick to the present pylon route down the east side of the loch where it has been for the last 80 years. That would conform with Holford Rules and cause least damage, disruption and distress. A frequently mentioned objection to upgrading this route is its proximity to the SSSI at Livingstone, but that could easily be resolved by undergrounding. I therefore asked SPEN's Stephen Jack after the meeting whether SPEN had instructed its undergrounding consultant to look into burying the existing line for the short distance where it crosses Loch Ken near the SSSI. The answer was "No". So much for promises to scope all undergrounding options. SPEN doesn't see ScotGov's directive as including a re-examination of the existing eastern route, which local people have made clear time and again is their preference. Whatever is said to SPEN goes in one ear and out the other. Scottish Power is in business to maximise profit and minimise cost for its owner, the Spanish energy GLENKENS ROUTE Thursdays: 12noon-1pm – Crossmichael 1-2pm – Parton/Loch Ken Holiday Park 2-4pm – Balmaclellan area 4-5.30pm – The Hidden Road Fridays: 8-10.30am – Dalry 10.30-11am – Glenlee Area 11am – New Galloway 12noon – New Galloway Shop 2pm – Mossdale area 3-4pm – Laurieston to Gatehouse Please note that all times are approximate. 07966 103 912 charliecoid@hotmail.com Fleet Fish aims to provide top quality produce which is sourced as locally as possible. We take pride in offering friendly door-to-door service tailored to our customers’ needs. giant Iberdrola. They care little about Galloway's glorious landscape, heritage and tourism prospects. We can see what they've done to nearby South Ayrshire and Carsphairn, and they'll continue their vandalism all the way to Tongland if ScotGov allows it. No wonder the long-winded consultation process is seen as a sham. The elephant in the room is the long-delayed Galloway National Park. This precious area, which includes Glenkens, needs protection from ugly industrialisation before it's too late. Any talk of power lines must go hand-in-hand with the strict safeguards applicable to national parks, otherwise tourism will be compromised and D&G's economic decline never ending. Glenkens community councils still haven't got together to strengthen their hand, making themselves irrelevant and leaving their communities powerless against the big battalions. Glenkens Gazette page 15 POSTCARDS FROM ETHIOPIA Gazette founder and former Dalry resident Matthew Newton has been travelling the globe on his bicycle. Here are a few anecdotes from his travels in Ethiopia... Keba is nine years old. Every morning before school she fetches water for her family. It’s 5km each way but she never complains. Schooling is free in Ethiopia. It’s 8 km each way but she never complains. Her two sisters stay at home helping their mother prepare food and make baskets to sell. One day they hope to have shoes and perhaps a cow. But they know it’s unlikely and they never complain. She asked how I fetched water to my house. I explained I had several taps. “Inside your house?” she asked incredulously. I told her that folk in my country with taps in their houses drive miles to buy water in bottles. She smiled and told me not to joke with her. Malola works at the Chancho Hotel. She’s been there since leaving school four years ago. She’s 18 and enjoys her job. It’s hard work and long hours. I asked her what she did. She thought for a minute, smiled and then said “everything”. She asked me what I did. I thought for a minute, smiled and then said “nothing”. “But you must do something...” she said. I answered that I travel, meet people and take their pictures. “That’s cool” she said. I think she’s right. Bakery girls. Top class bread and confectionery served with a smile. They work six days a week from 5am to 9pm. I asked if they enjoyed their jobs. They thought that was a strange question from a strange guy. They’re probably right. The orange sellers. Nothing else. No bananas. No apples. No strawberries. Just oranges. I asked why. Oranges are good, they said. And to prove it, they gave me one. They were right as well. Oranges are good. Lellita has a shop by the roadside in Bahir Dar. She opens whenever she wants. I bought some peanuts. There wasn’t much else to eat. We had to hold up fingers to agree a price. She looked at the colour of my arm and asked if I was ok. I looked at the colour of her arm and asked if she was ok. After a moment she laughed and called her sister over. They agreed my skin wasn’t a good colour. “Do you have shops in your country?” they asked. I answered “yes”. “Do they sell peanuts?” they continued. “Some”, I replied. “Some...” they pondered...” Our peanuts are the best. Maybe they will help your skin?” After a moment I laughed. As I rode off I realised that I’ll never see them again but I’ll always remember them. And their peanuts. The honey seller in Addis Ababa. He is 15 and walks around town selling honey from a bucket. His family keep hives to the north of the city. You are welcome to try before you buy. If you do buy he fills a plastic bag with a ladle. If you don’t buy he smiles and waves goodbye. Keba carrying water; the orange sellers; the honey seller; Malola (right, wearing pink); bakery girls; Lellita in her shop. FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) Glenkens Gazette page 16 DALRY PRIMARY’S NEW POLYTUNNEL Dalry Primary Gardening Club are very excited to show off their wonderful new polytunnel that has been built in the school garden. The polytunnel is already in full use, with a huge variety of seeds and seedlings growing well in their new surroundings. The Gardening Club is looking to develop skills in permaculture this term, with Lorraine Ishak from the Hidden Mill helping members to build their knowledge of ‘no dig’ and edible perennial gardening. They are very excited and hope to grow lots of yummy produce for the Home Economics class in the Secondary to use, as well as enjoy themselves! A huge thank you to Mr Harvie for building the poly tunnel and to former Glenkens Cluster Head Teacher, Mrs Smith, for securing funding for the purchase of the poly tunnel. It will certainly be a cherished and well used legacy. Pupils in the polytunnel with Jenny Smith, former Glenkens Cluster Head Teacher. May the Fourth Be With You... A long time ago in a galaxy not too far away, P2-4 were enjoying a Lego Star Wars Challenge in the P4/5 class. The pupils were given the challenge to plan and build a vehicle that would safely transport a passenger to Earth. To inspire the pupils further they watched a Lego Star Wars video clip, looking closely at the shapes and designs of different Star Wars vehicles. They then planned their design, thinking carefully about the best way to develop a working parachute physics in action! We then tested them by releasing our builds from a height. Some creations were definitely more successful than others, with some crashing to Earth with a bump! However, all pupils gave each other very sensible advice on how to improve their designs for next time. The Star Wars theme then continued through into Friday Fun Time, with a selection of activities for the pupils to choose from...Yoda been silly to miss it! Jenna Devlin Pupils working on the Lego Star Wars Challenge SCHOOLS ENJOY OUR DARK SKIES We are very lucky within the Glenkens to be a part of the Galloway Dark Skies Park and local schools have been celebrating having this resource on our doorstep. Last year boys and girls from across the partnership travelled to the Dark Sky Observatory at Loch Doon. This year we have built upon that by having the ‘Pop-Up Planetarium’ visit Dalry School Hall, with all primary children across the Glenkens Cluster getting the chance to experience the planetarium and watch a presentation Pop-up planetarium in Dalry School Hall about the universe. This event was made possible through funding from the Edina Trust which helps to fund science-based learning in schools. Other recent projects funded by the Edina Trust across the Glenkens include the construction of a polytunnel in the school garden at Dalry, and an observatory/bird hide at Kells Primary. Walker McKenna Friends of Dalry School (FoDS) would like to thank David Bartholomew and everyone who kindly sponsored him for his ‘Beard Shave’. The money raised, just short of £300, will go to towards replacing four digital cameras for Dalry Primary and Secondary School. FoDS are in the process of purchasing the cameras for school use this term. Glenkens Gazette page 17 Glenkens Cluster Visit Edinburgh Primary school children from the Glenkens Cluster have visited Edinburgh. The purpose of the trip was for the pupils to grow independence, learn more about the capital city of Scotland and get used to being away from home. They first started their journey at eight o’clock on Wednesday morning and travelled to BT Murrayfield where they got a guided tour of the stadium by an Argentinian tour guide. They even got to see the Scotland international players train! Then it was off to Holyrood were they met our local MSP Finlay Carson. After the exciting time at parliament the pupils had a quick walk to Dynamic Earth just across the road. One of the children called Christy said that she loved Dynamic Earth because of the 3D films. Another child called William said he liked the man on the television who could talk to you and you could talk to him and try to make him dance! Then at eight o’clock the pupils had a ghost walk which was very entertaining. At the start they told stories about the market and the crimes which took place. Then they were taken under the South Bridge and saw the vaults that were found not that long ago. Then it was back to the hotel for bed though not all the children went to bed when they were told to! Thursday was an early start to some pupils as they had to be up and dressed by eight o’clock. It was a good thing too because then the pupils went to Camera Obscura where they had so much fun trying all the optical illusions. Then they walked up to the magnificent Edinburgh Castle where some of the pupils played hide and seek. Then they walked around the grounds until one o’clock where they met up with the other Glenkens Cluster pupils outside Edinburgh Castle pupils and witnessed the cannon going off. They the children were sad that their trip were then off to Greyfriars Bobby was nearly over but happy because which is a memorial for a dog that sat some of the children were missing at its owner’s grave until the dog sadly home. After breakfast the children died. The pupils even got to see the were told to pack their bags and put grave of the owner and then some of them on the bus. Then everyone went the children got to see Tom Riddle’s a quick walk up Arthur’s Seat to get grave which is where JK Rowling got rid of some of the children’s energy. the name for one of her characters. This didn’t work very well because the At 7 o’clock the children had a disco. They had so much fun, they even had a children were still hyper on the bus home! After this they walked to the proper DJ! Most of the children had so bus. The Falkirk Wheel was the next much fun dancing, others were doing stop before home. The children got to cartwheels and hand stands at the see the small kelpies and the big ones, bottom of the dance floor. Isobel,one of they were spectacular! Then it was the children, said she loved the disco home time. Some of the children said because all the children danced for 2 they wanted to stay for the weekend. hours straight and it was so much fun. Best trip ever! Isobel Stevenson, P7 Friday was a fun and sad day. Mostly SCIENCE FESTIVAL K’NEX CHALLENGE Children from across the Glenkens met at Carsphairn Primary School to compete in the Cluster K’Nex Challenge 2018. The competition, which is organised through the Glasgow Science Festival, is an engineering challenge which requires pupils to work in pairs using K’Nex to design and construct a surprise structure. The winners would go on to the next round, the Dumfries and Galloway Regional Final at the Crichton Campus in Dumfries. This year, the Cluster challenge was to design a Ferris wheel, with at least six hang down seats and a handle to help it turn. This was no easy task considering the children had no idea beforehand what they would be building. With only one hour to draw out their design and then construct their Ferris wheel, the boys and girls from Kells, Dalry and Carsphairn all had a great time working in teams to beat the clock. All of the children had a good time and there were several strong designs to be judged. In the end, the winners of the Cluster Challenge were Lola Jordan (Dalry Primary) and Courtney Smith (Carsphairn Primary) with a brilliant design. The regional final saw young engineers from across Dumfries and Galloway face a new challenge of designing a helicopter. Due to a scheduling clash, the Glenkens were represented by the runner-up team of Dante Newbury (Kells Primary) and Crawford King (Carsphairn Primary), who stepped in admirably and designed a brilliant helicopter. Although they didn’t quite make Alice and Reece hard at work it through to the next round, they certainly did experience how much fun engineering and design can be. The K’Nex Challenge is a great way for the young people of the Glenkens to work across the partnership, build social ties and engage with their learning in a fun way. Great work from all our P5s and P6s, and keep on engineering! Walker McKenna Glenkens Gazette page 18 Pupils’ Update on Kells Primary School If you read this article you will find out about our K’Nex BMX bike – built by the P4 boys! K’nex is a construction toy a bit like Lego or Meccano. We worked really hard to build a life size replica of a BMX. It was so annoying sometimes!! But we did it! We have been learning to work hard and persevere in class. We found working together a bit frustrating at times because there are four of us and we had different ideas about how it should work. We realised if we split into pairs and brought our ideas together it would help us solve problems. Now, let me tell you how we built it. Let’s begin… We found it hard to clip together, some parts were complicated to make and it was difficult to get the measurements correct. We used tape to hold parts in place, we even used a bulldog clip at a crucial moment to stop it falling to pieces. Some bits were really easy and went smoothly. Sam was our ‘Go To Man’ when we needed extra help because he uses Lego loads and we know he is good at this kind of problem solving. Noah was preparing smaller pieces to help keep the construction together. Alex worked out how to measure the circumference of the bicycle wheel and actually made the K’Nex pedals and wheel turn. Stanley from our class thinks we should cycle to Australia and become world famous. We didn’t!! Instead, the real BMX in class (which we call the BMXercise bike) has helped us keep fit and learn our decimals and distances. The bike was designed by Danny (a pupil who is now at Dalry Secondary). It was built from blueprints he drew by a friendly guy called Uula at the Hidden Mill. We have ‘cycled’ to Thurso so far! Maybe one day we will reach Australia – but we do need a giant bridge on the sea (we have built a brilliant bridge before from K’Nex, perhaps it will help us ride to Australia after all!). Alex, Noah, Sam and Stanley Kells Spells; building our own school shop. We have been fashioning a shop from material we have recycled and bits that have been donated. We have an amazing opportunity ahead of us! We have spent time developing our ideas, teamworking and learning and trying different skills. We are all working together and making new and different friendships along the way! We now know how to saw, drill and measure wood. We have done some angles too. We were careful and safe, even though we may have bashed Mister Thompson’s hand with a rather large hammer (like Thor’s hammer)! Our shop is a square based structure (of 2.43 metres). We worked out different proportions to make it look smart. We did this after looking at the Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci – based on the ideas of Vitruvius who was an ancient Roman architect. When we have completed our project we aim to make and sell items to raise money for our charities. Presently this will all be based on our fashion topic – The Greatest Show – it will be super fun. We have also made two outdoor blackboards so that the younger children have a chance to do some outdoor writing. The older class are hoping to use them to give updates to our parents so they can see what we’ve been up to! Fiona and Reahanne Above - Stanley, Alex, Sam and Noah with their bicycles. Below - pupils and teachers creating Kells Spells Glenkens Gazette page 19 ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL SEASON FOR CATSTRAND YOUTH PLAYERS The fourth performance of the Festival-winning play Exit Stage Left brought the curtain down on another successful Youth Players season. The play was staged again as part of the first of The Fullarton’s new regular drama evenings called The Drama. There are various dates earmarked in the calendar throughout the year when local groups and performers will have the opportunity to book a slot and perform their one act play. The inaugural bill also included the other winning play from the Stewartry Festival, The Beach Hut performed by Crossmichael Drama Club. Both plays treated the appreciative audience to a hilarious evening of comedy and showed why they won their respective categories at the Stewartry Drama Festival and then went on to each win creditable third places in the West of Scotland Finals. The Drama series was certainly launched in fine style and the Youth Players hope to take part again on a regular basis in the future. In the run-up to the summer break, the Youth Players will meet occasionally to read scripts and plan for next season’s panto and Festival. Then during the summer holidays, the Fresh Face Theatre Festival takes place from 26-28 July. Based at CatStrand, this will give local members the opportunity to meet up with other youth theatres. Regular Youth Players rehearsals will start again in early September. Congratulations go to everyone who has helped to make this one of the busiest and most successful seasons so far. The Exit Stage Left Team. Glenkens Gazette page 20 War Updates: December 1917 to March 1918 The Great War (continued) Robert Corrie enlisted into the 15th (Tramways) Battalion of the Highland Light Infantry in June 1916 and was wounded at St Quentin. He was the son of Thomas Corrie and Janet (Haugh) Corrie of Balmaclellan. Robert married Barbara McKnaight of Barnbarroch, Colvend, in 1902. He was promoted to Lance Corporal and was reported missing in action on 2 December 1917 at the age of 37. He is commemorated on the war memorials at Balmaclellan, Dalbeattie and Colvend. 30 December 1917 would see a tragedy that took the lives of two Glenkens men. John Wright of Balmaclellan and George Ferguson of Dalry were both onboard the Troopship 'Aragon', which had sailed from Marseilles and was waiting to enter Alexandria harbour, when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine UC-34. Over 600 of the 2,700 passengers were lost. John Wright was born in Sorbie, Wigtownshire, the son of John and Matilda (Adams) Wright of Killochy, Balmaclellan. He was working as a cheesemaker on his father’s farm when he enlisted in 1/5th Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers in May 1917 but was suffered a head injury in a train crash at Catterick Camp in September 1917 and spent some time in hospital before being posted to Palestine. His body was not recovered; he is commemorated on the Balmaclellan War Memorial. He was 33 years old. George Ferguson was born in Dalry, the second youngest son of Oswald and Elizabeth (McLauchlan) Ferguson of Kirkland Street, Dalry. George was a postman and the greenkeeper at Dalry golf and bowling clubs before he enlisted into the Royal Engineers June 1917. George had three brothers in the Army, a fourth discharged with wounds and a fifth rejected by the Army but working in a munitions factory. George’s body was one of those recovered and he was buried in the Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery at the age of 22 leaving a widow and young child. George is commemorated Robert Corrie and George Ferguson on his parents’ gravestone in sea on 12 January 1918 at the age Dalry churchyard and on the Dalry of just 19. During a snowstorm the War Memorial. destroyers Narborough and Opal ran We have reported on the McCheyne aground on South Ronaldsay, Orkney. family before in previous articles and Only one sailor survived the wrecks. have seen that three sons of James Francis’s body was not recovered and Mary (Mulholland) McCheyne and he is named on the Plymouth of High Street, New Galloway, had Naval Memorial as well as on the already been killed in the war. Francis Kells Parish War Memorial in New Wallace McCheyne would be the Galloway. fourth brother to die. From Francis’s Samuel Thomas McKie was born obituary in the Kirkcudbrightshire in Balmaclellan, the son of Agnes Advertiser, we know that the father Jane McKie. He was a farm servant (James) had also lost two nephews when he enlisted in the KOSB in June in the war and a daughter who died 1915. He transferred to the machine in France. A further two sons also gun corps and was posted to France served in the army but survived. in March 1916. On 25 March 1918 Francis’s mother (Mary) had died he was killed in action at the age of in 1904 and his father (James) left just 19, and is buried in Bancourt Scotland for Canada in November British Cemetery, France. Samuel is 1919 at the age of 63. Francis was commemorated on the Balmaclellan a motor driver at Penman’s Motor War Memorial. The minimum age to Works in Dumfries and at Gretna serve overseas was 19 at the time. when he enlisted into the Royal Navy As Samuel was 19 when he was in December 1916. He served on the killed in 1918, he must have lied destroyer HMS Marvel until December about his age to have served at the 1917 when he was transferred to front since 1916. Paul Goodwin HMS Narborough. Francis was lost at T&C TAXIS - Glenkens 01292 550 100 - Contracts - School Services - Private Hire - Airport Work - Courier Service - Fast Food Delivery Service - Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN EVOKING GLENKENS David M’Clamroch (1772-1854) bore an old Galloway name which, like many of his kindred, he changed to Landsborough. animal) a shell and a New Zealand The plant were named after him. He was following the friend and correspondent many verses are of the top scientists of the day, embedded in David Landsborough’s continuing with his own researches much longer poem, Arran A Poem until he died. in six cantos, 1828, dedicated to Sir One of his much appreciated William Miller Baronet. In it he recalls efforts for his native glen was his his childhood in Dalry and his feelings assistance in setting up the Free as he ponders the cruel fate of some Church at Bogue Toll, preaching at local covenanters. Ted Cowan its opening service in 1845. Many of the On hallowed ground I stood, and silver Ken, Glenkensians that In gliding near my feet, still seemed to sob day truly believed As in remembrance of those days of blood; that they were the * * * inheritors and the defendants of the Well might these early feelings be recalled, seventeenth-century For even the scenery some resemblance bore: covenanters many of And though of scenery in childish years whom had suffered I took no note, unconsciously, perchance, so painfully for their I felt even then its influence on my mind. faith. He was born in Dalry where he attended the Free School, moving on to Dumfries Academy and Edinburgh University studying to become a minister. He earned some funds to aid his learning by working as a tutor to the family of Sir William Miller, Lord Glenlee whose estate is just across the river from Dalry. Miller was influential in Landsborough’s appointment as assistant at the old church of Ayr. Later he became minister at Stevenston, proving a popular appointment. He supported the Kilsyth Revival but lost some of his following, as well as much of his income when he joined the Free Church at the Disruption of 1843. However his lasting contribution was in natural history. He made a detailed study of the island of Arran which he could view daily, weather permitting, from the mainland, eventually publishing Excursions to Arran which reported on much of his scientific study. He was greatly honoured David Lansborough in Old Age © when a seaweed, a North Ayrshire Heritage Trails zoophyte (invertebrate Daily I saw the rich and fertile vale, Through which irriguous flowed the silver Ken; And rural Grennan Bank and Molloch Hill, And lovely Glen of Holm, where Garpel pours ‘Twixt wooded cliffs her almost hidden stream. Daily I saw Glenlee’s romantic glades With oaks bestudded, which have bravely stood Innumerous brumal blasts; while, like the leaves Which autumn strews, the fleeting sons of men, Race after race have quickly passed away. – Daily I saw dark Lowran’s high-peaked hill, And Kenmure’s noble towers, near which the Ken As if to shew her grandeur and her strength Ere she her name surrenders to the Dee. Daily I saw the circling range of hills, Of every size and shade, around the vale: But little thought I in those early years How much of beauty all I saw contained. I wist not that in hills of various shade— In glens, and winding stream and fertile plain, In coppice-skirted lake—there was so much To fill the heart with exquisite delight. Glenkens Gazette page 22 Who Do We Think We Were? This issue features Barry Bryan Dixon, remembering his days as a soldier in Northern Ireland. Messing About on the Lough “Corporal, you are seconded to the 15/19 Royal Hussars on Operation Banner for a tour of four months. You will be notified of your flight details.” 5th of April flight to Northern Ireland from Dusseldorf. My first detachment was at Cookstown then with Alpha Squadron at the Beleek Police Station with the Royal Ulster Constabulary on the bank of the River Erne. Because the river flowed into Lough Erne we were responsible for patrolling the lough, which we did in a sixteenfoot landing craft. There would be four or five of us in the craft. The men were armed with 7.62 self loading rifles. I was issued with a 9mm Browning Pistol, and a Sterling sub-machine gun. Sometimes the Unit puppy would decide it was a good idea to jump into the craft with us, so we would have to take it back to the station. 1000 hours one sunny morning we fuelled up and loaded our weapons. We were ready to patrol Lough Erne to win hearts and minds. Once out in the lough we became more alert. The plan was to talk to locals, who were mostly friendly. We visited hot spots to search. This was always a bit tense because we never knew if we would be welcomed by incoming enemy fire. We had just left one of these hot spots when we heard shouting. We could see a yacht. Someone was waving to us. Weapons at the ready and the adrenaline flowing we approached. As we got closer we noticed the man who was shouting to us was holding a bottle in one hand. We ordered him to put it down and move away from it which he did. “Come on lads, it’s only a bottle of whiskey!” He was about five feet ten, stripped to the waist, very tanned with a mass of ginger hair, and a Scottish accent. “Come on lads, come aboard!” Once we established that the bottle had whiskey in it we told him to follow us into Lusty Beg Island harbour. We berthed and went aboard his yacht, stowing our weapons in the bow. Being the medic I was usually last on or off the vessel, so I stood aft of the main mast. There I noticed a brass bar with lines and figures marked on it, like a protractor. I asked what it was for. He stood over me, hands on hips. “Are you alright laddy?” “Fine thanks,” I whimpered. “Show me what angle the yacht is leaning at.” “40 degrees.” “What’s the maximum before we capsize?” “50 degrees, son.” I don’t drink whiskey straight. I have to put coke or lemonade in it. I know, I know, sacrilege. To my amazement this man came out with a bottle of June 1975, St Angelo base, Inniskillin, Northern Ireland coke for me, ice cold at that. We sailed with him for about half an hour. We all had a drink or two. We all shook hands, and then returned to to our own landing craft to complete our patrol. “If we come across each other again, let’s do the same.” We were lucky to get away with it once without pushing our luck a second time. Whoever you were, thank you for sharing your whiskey with us and leaving us with very pleasant memories of that day 33 years ago. Even though we patrolled the lough regularly, we never saw him again. ‘Who Do You Think You Were?’ has now run for fourteen issues. We have had a great variety of stories, from people who have led very different lives. Some have focussed on childhood memories, others on more recent times. What they all have in common is that they are connected to the Glenkens, either by living here today, or by close association over many years. Feedback from readers has been very encouraging, confirming that it has been a popular feature. The series is taking a break but it is hoped that it will return at a later date. There are many more stories out there which we haven’t yet heard, and yours could be one of them... GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Glenkens Gazette page 23 Crockett’s Glimpses Of The Glenkens This, the third in the Glimpses series, focuses on Woodhall Loch. WOODHALL LOCH “Woodhall Loch is like many another. Half its beauty is in the seeing eye. Yet not only the educated or the intellectual may see.” The loch runs alongside the four mile stretch from the Duchrae to Laurieson. Crockett describes one small part of it as follows: “I know a bank, where the wild thyme grows—with an infinitude of other things. You will find it past Blates Mill, past the Bogle Thorn, just where the loch opens out, and when, standing on tiptoe at the side of the road, you can see far away, set on the selvage of the northern moorland, the chimneys of the Duchrae. “Now look down. Between you and the rippling water what a blaze of colour! You will hardly find such a wealth of flowers anywhere else in Galloway. The loch, alternate white and blue according as the sunlight or the breeze catches it, stretches away for all its length of three miles, cloud and firwood mirroring themselves upon it.” These days it is all too easy to ignore nature, especially that with which we have a familiarity. I suggest that Woodhall Loch is one such place. Crockett observes: “for others who think more of themselves than did Ebie Farrish the ploughman, the art of admiring nature is chiefly a matter of habit and leisure. The scytheman, the ploughman, the lowland hind, even the ordinary farmer, see little of the mysteries of that Nature in the midst of which they work, dull-eyed as the browsing bullocks.” Crockett knows the beauty and also the history of the place: “A certain name-changing fiend brought into our Erse and Keltic Galloway a number of mongrel names, probably some Laird Laurie with a bad education and a plentiful lack of taste, who, among other iniquities, called the ancient Clachan-of-Pluck after himself - Laurieston. His mansion-house he changed from the ancient and honourable ‘Grenoch,’ by manfully resisted. By that time a considerable distance had been put between the cottage and the wayfarers. The loch was very blue beneath. The little waves sparkled distractingly. The wind waved the yellow broom in a way it really ought not to. The universe was illarranged for a small boy attending school that day.” Like Ebie Farish, we might also find something special in this most ordinary of places. If we look through Crockett’s eyes: “He saw the stars, which were perfectly reflected a hundred yards away on the smooth expanse, first waver, then tremble, and lastly break into a myriad delicate shafts of light, as the water quickened and gathered. He spat in the water, and thought of trout for breakfast. But the long roar of the rapids of the Dee came to him over the hill, and brought a feeling of stillness with it, weird and remote. Uncertain lights shot hither and thither under the bridge, in strange gleams and reflections. The ploughman was awed.” Crockett’s writing reveals that it is a place of many possibilities – in fact and fiction. There are more descriptions of Woodhall (Grenoch) Loch in Men of the Moss Hags, The Dark o’ the Moon, The Lilac Sunbonnet, Kit Kennedy, Sweethearts at Home, and Raiderland. Cally Phillips For further information and insight into Crockett’s Galloway writing visit www.gallowayraiders.co.uk “I know a bank, where the wild thyme grows—with an infinitude of other things...” which name it stands in Pont’s map of (about) 1611, to the commonplace Woodhall. Later the loch had a like fortune. Loch Grenoch became Woodhall Loch (or in the folk speech of the parish, Wudha’ Loch).” Crockett walked this way every day to school and was perhaps led astray like his character Kit Kennedy, by his dog: “The tempter gambolled in front, barking joyously. He said as plain as print, ‘Now then, we’re off! Hurrah for the water!’ But for awhile - for at least as much as a quarter of an hour—Kit DALRY HERITAGE GROUP EXHIBITION WEEKEND Entitled One Hundred Years in Dalry, the exhibition and related activities will run from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 October. The weekend will start with an ‘old time music hall’ event in Dalry Town Hall on Friday 5 October. If anyone has any old memorabelia, photos, clothes or literature from the last 100 years that could form part of our exhibition, please contact Hilda McAdam at 10 Throughgate, Dalry, or phone 01644430 383. THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY � 01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS � Glenkens Gazette page 24 Listening to the Gaelic Silences Castle Douglas historian Alistair Livingstone is one of the contributors to the first ever conference on Gaelic in Galloway which is being held at the CatStrand in September. He has been telling Mike Brown how silence in the historical record reveals much of the story. The dog which didn’t bark provided Sherlock Holmes with a vital clue in Conan Doyle’s story, Silver Blaze. Alistair Livingstone, more accustomed to delving into topics well-supplied with written sources, is resorting to similar measures as he prepares his contribution. Place name evidence of a Gaelic past abounds on our local maps, either in plain sight, such as the numerous "Airies" - hill pastures for cattle - or well disguised by the erosion of time and other tongues. However the shift from Gaelic, and the manner and time of its disappearance, is harder to discern. For that, Alistair turns to the silences. Andrew Symson’s 'A Large Description of Galloway' written in the late 17th century provides a wealth of detail on Galloway life but makes no mention of Gaelic being used. Two centuries earlier and there is a record of a Galloway parish petitioning the Pope because they have not been provided with a Gaelic-speaking priest. Alistair does not believe there was a dramatic ‘death of Gaelic’ moment nor a change driven by migration. Rather there was a gradual shift in the way languages were used. Both Gaelic and Scots would have co-existed for several centuries. Many people would have been bi-lingual, intuitively using the appropriate language - a process known as ‘diglossia’ - depending on whether speaking to family and neighbours or dealing with authority or trading with outsiders. During the Wars of Independence there was also a civil war going on between the Bruces and the Balliols, the latter supported by Gaelic speaking ‘kindreds’ such as the MacDowalls and McCullochs. But as allegiances and people flowed north and south the Gaelic speakers would already have to be bi-lingual. Subsequently the Lordship of Galloway was revived but with a Scots-speaking Douglas, Archibald the Grim. Later, burgh records reveal the universal adoption of Scots for administration. Alistair however does cite one significant date: 1513, the Battle of Flodden. In the disastrous defeat of James IV, the last Gaelic-speaking King of Scots, Galloway like all of Scotland lost much of its leadership. And there was cultural loss too. Local magnates for instance had had their clarsach players, the Gaelic speaking McBratney bards, closely tied to the Western Isles, a tradition that vanishes after Flodden. As a historian, Alistair is not only concerned with the loss of Gaelic, but also with the history lost along the way. There is a rich tradition relating to the Bruces for instance, but where is the legacy of legend, poetry and ballads recounting the story of the early Lords of Galloway. Is this another casualty of the loss of Gaelic and its culture? Galloway: Gaelic’s Lost Province is being held on Saturday 8 September at CatStrand, New Galloway. Glenkens Gazette page 25 Thanks to Good Neighbours Marie Curie Please could I Daffodil acknowledge the Appeal 2018 kindness and support offered to myself and my husband Ron when I was recovering from an operation. I would like to thank Brian and Erica Portous, who looked after my wee dog, and also Charlotte McClellan for the personal care given, and to her son Shawn who painted a lovely picture of my dog (right). Bridie Corrie Glenkens Charity Shop Grants Now Open Application forms for Glenkens Charity Shop grants will be available in the shop from Saturday 23 June for the next round of funding. The deadline for applications is Saturday 14 July. The shop are always keen for new vounteers - please stop by and pick up an application form and have a chat any time; even a couple of hours a week would be a great help. GLENKENS & DISTRICT TRUST SURVEY A big thank you to the many people who last autumn completed the survey that the Trust had commissioned from Stewartry CVS. The good news is, that many more households than expected completed and returned the surveys, and expressed their thoughts and ideas fully where there was space to do so. Because of the volume of replies and comments received from the seven communities that were surveyed it has taken much longer than anticipated for the data to be input and collated. By the time the June/July edition of the Glenkens Gazette is published the input stage will have been completed and the process of consultation with the seven communities begun. Alan Rumble, Acting Chair, Glenkens & District Trust (SC042489) Thanks to the generosity of everyone in the Glenkens, and the help of participating outlets, £155.44 was raised for Marie Curie Cancer Care during this year’s Daffodil Appeal. On top of this, the countertop cans raised a further £151.60 throughout the year. Our donations go towards much needed practical nursing care for terminally ill people in our area. Marie Curie nursing services are totally free to patients and their families, and the Daffodil Campaign is a vital part of fundraising for the charity. Please keep adding your loose change to the distinctive Marie Curie yellow cans when you see them as every penny will help. Natalie Vardey Glenkens Gazette page 26 JUNE & JULY MAY Thu 31, Alan Bissett presents: Stand Up for Sustainability, 2pm, CatStrand Thu 31, Alan Bissett presents: More Moira Monologues, 7.30pm, CatStrand JUNE Open until Sun 30 Sept, Carsphairn Heritage & Craft Centre, 10am-4pm, Fri-Sun, see p3 Fri 1, Sixfold: A Nexus, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 2, Michael J McCarthy & Redbridge Arts present: Turntable, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 2, Carsphairn Tearoom Bistro, 4-8pm Sun 3, Drop-in: Dalry Police Station, 3-4.30pm Sun 3, GTI Bus Trip, The Victorian Garden, see p6 Sun 3, Jenny Lindsay & Hannah Lavery present: This Script & Other Drafts, 2.30pm, CatStrand Wed 6, FILM: The Greatest Showman (PG), 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Thu 7, Glenkens Business Network, 6pm, The Smithy, New Galloway, see p9 Thurs 7, GTI Bus Trip: Charles Rennie Macintosh exhibition, see p6 Sun 10, GTI Bus Trip, The Romantic Gardens, see p6 Tues 19, Element Power: Supplier Day Event, Thurnhill Community Centre, see p24 Thu 21, Kirsty Law: Young Night Thought, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 22, Krazy Kat Theatre Co presents: Cinder-ella, 10.30am, CatStrand Sat 23, Midsummer Poetry Walk, 11.30am-3pm, starts Balmaghie, see p2 Sat 23, GTI Bus Trip, Woodfest, see p6 Tue 26, Exhibition on Screen: Painting the Modern Garden - Monet to Matisse, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 29, Tee Trio, 7.30pm, CatStrand JULY Mon 2, Drop-in: Dalry Police Station, 6-7.30pm Sun 8, GTI Bus Trip, The Natural Gardens, see p6 Fri 13, Markus K, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 19, Balmaclellan CC Elections (nomination period will be open from 31 May to 21 June), see p8 Fri 20, Song Sharing Sessions, 811pm, Dalry Town Hall Sat 21, Ashley Storrie: Adulting, 7.30pm, CatStrand Tue 24, GTI Bus Trip, The Gulf Stream Gardens, see p6 Sun 29, Arndarroch Open Garden, 2-5pm, see p3 Tue 31, EoS: David Hockney, 7.30pm, CatStrand AUGUST Sat 4, The Hot Seats, 7.30pm, CatStrand Glenkens Gazette page 27 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Film Makers’ Club, Mon, 7-8.30pm Exercise to Music: Mon, 9.30-10am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time), 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris Dance 2: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time), 4.30-5.15pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, Mon, 68pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab, Mon (term-time), 7-8.30pm, ages 12-18 Start to Write, 1st Tues each month, 3-5pm (no Feb meeting) Animation Club, Tues, 4.30-6.30pm Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed, 2-3.30pm Continue to Write, 1st Wed each month, 3.15-5.15pm Music/Jam Youth Drop-in, Wed, 6-7pm & rehearsal/recording space available for booking from 7-9pm Writers’ Cafe, 2nd Thurs each month, 7-9pm Sing it Out, Thurs, 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes, Thurs, 1–3.30pm Yoga, Thurs, 6.30pm Zumba Gold, Fri (term-time), 9.3010.30am, CatStrand, 16+ Saturday Art Club, 2nd & 4th Sat of the month, 10am–12noon Glenkens Acoustic Sessions, last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, (contact Kath on 430 281): Paint & Art, Mon, 2-4pm GCC Playgroup, Tues, Wed & Thurs, 9.15-11.45am Guides, Tues, 6-8pm Brownies, Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts, Thurs, 79pm Thursday Craft Group, Thurs, 24pm Glenkens Children’s Club, Fri, 10am-12noon New Galloway Town Hall: LING Lunches, Tues, 11am-2pm Indoor Sports, Tues, 7-9pm Zumba, Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, 11+ Saturday Circuits, 8-9am with John Fagan Various Locations: Hatha Yoga, Mon, 10-11.15am, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Mens Shed Mondays, 6.30pm, Balmaclellan Carsphairn Post Office, Tues, 1-3pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Dalry WI, 3rd Tues each month, 2pm, Dalry Town Hall (except Jun, Jul & Aug) Beavers, Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training, Tues & Thurs, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Mossdale Painters, Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Youth Writing, Thurs (during term time), 3.30-5pm, ages 10-15, Dalry School Coffee & Craft, Fri, 9am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month, 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. Castle: 18 June, 3pm. CHURCH TIMES Earlstoun Service of Union & Linking: 27 June, CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sunday Services - June: Balmaclellan 12noon: 1st. Carsphairn 10.30am: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Dalry 12noon: 3rd, 4th. Kells 10.30am: 2nd, 4th. July: Balmaclellan 9.45am: 1st. Carsphairn 11.15am: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Carsphairn 10.30am: 5th. Dalry 9.45am: 2nd, 4th. Kells 9.45am: 3rd. Special Services/Events: United Family Service (Kells/Dalry): 11 June, 10.30am, Kells Church. Conventicle 7pm, Dalry Church. United Service with Choir: 29 July, 10.30am, Carsphairn Church. Communion Services: 1 July, 11.15am, Carsphairn Church SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed. CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Kirkcudbright: Sun Mass, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sat Mass, 5pm Bridge Hotel Scouts, Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Gentle Tai Chi, Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall Junior Golf & Come-and-Try for all ages, Sat, 10am, see p7 Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tuesdays 12noon-3.30pm Fridays 10am-12noon & 1-4.30pm For further library van stops and informa�on contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 28 BALMACLELLAN MEN’S SHED WINS AT SHEDFEST Glenkens Men’s Shed took part in the inaugural Dumfries & Galloway Shedfest in Dalbeattie. There were entries from sheds all over the county and more cake per capita than a bake-off final! The shedders covered themselves in glory with a well received and amusing presentation, and took the prestigious 1st prize in the 'Best Hand Made' competition. Tom Plummer’s lovingly constructed scale model (it's six feet long) of a French fishing skiff seeing off all the competition, and generating envy and interest from all in attendance. Well done Tom, another seven years should see it completed! Our hand-carved otter was also much admired and we wish Tesco, so give us a helping hand woodcarving wizard Bill Wiseman a and cast your tokens in our direction speedy recovery after his recent fall when you do the shopping - every - get well soon Bill. little helps. Chris Jowsey The shed continues to grow and we have just donated a real boat to Kells school which, under the expert guidance of Mr Thompson, will soon become a pirate ship, “ahoy me hearties”, enjoy the fun... We are also one of the current options in the Tesco Bags of Help scheme in Castle Douglas Tom Plummer’s winning model skiff. Ted's Trek for Climate Change Glenkens-based Ted Leeming, ex managing director at Natural Power Consultants and professional landscape photographer with his wife Morag Paterson, can’t sit still for long - literally - and has started a new exciting environmental initiative called Zero Footprints. With this project he is seeking to bring together his two passions in the form of a website acting as "The Voice of Photographers Exploring Climate Change". The idea is threefold, Ted explains: "We want to raise awareness and educate on issues surrounding climate change by presenting exemplary photos on the subject on the website. The images are donated to the site free of charge by some of the worlds leading photographers where they can be purchased, with all the profits going directly to charities offsetting climate change. "We also help people to Ted atop Monte Galero – Day 15 better understand how WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk AUG/SEPT COPY DEADLINE: 5 JULY much carbon they emit themselves, via a simple carbon calculator and how much it would cost to offset. It’s surprisingly cheap to offset your carbon footprint, with a return flight from Glasgow to New York costing less than £8". To raise the profile for the project and money for their charity, Ted is trekking solo 260 miles across the stunning mountains of the Maritime Alps in northern Italy along the Alta Via Del Monti Liguri. With over 60,000 feet of ascent he will be camping most of the way and will be carrying his own food and drink. "If all goes well it should take about three weeks to complete and, whilst excited at the challenge, I am hoping I don’t get too close to the local wild boar, wolves, snakes and scorpions. That said, blisters are of equal concern!" If you would like to support Ted’s walk please visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/edward-leeming To find out more about Zero Footprints visit www.zerofootprints.org Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.co.uk The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 106 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_106 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade